COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that Timothy W. Clary has been appointed to serve as a Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas judge.
Clary will take office on Jan. 2, 2024, holding the seat formerly held by Judge Michael Russo, who passed away in October at the age of 68. Clary will serve out the remainder of Russo's term and will need to run for election in November of 2024 to retain his seat on the bench.
In last month's election, Clary ran for judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court, but lost to incumbent Shiela Turner McCall.
Previously, Clary served as an assistant public defender in the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office and an assistant prosecuting attorney in the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office. He began his law career as a law clerk for the Law Offices of Climaco, Wilcox, Peca, Tarantino & Garofoli Co. in Cleveland before becoming an associate attorney at the law firm.
Clary's educational background features all Northeast Ohio institutions. He received his juris doctor from the Cleveland State University College of Law in 2011. In 2006, Clary received a bachelor's degree from John Carroll University. He is also a 2002 graduate of Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland.
Judge Russo passed away on Oct. 9 “after a long and courageous health battle.” During his time on the bench, Russo presided over thousands of cases, including many notable ones like that of Ariel Castro,who he sentenced to life without parole plus 1,000 years in prison.
“Over the past year, Judge Russo displayed amazing strength while fighting his illness,” said Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan J. Sheehan. “Judge Michael Russo was tenacious in his efforts to overcome his medical challenges and return to the courtroom. He felt it was an honor to do the work of the community that we are proud to serve each day.”