WHEELING — Jack Cera, a Bellaire native who represented the local area in the Ohio House of Representatives for nearly 25 years, died Sunday at age 69 following a battle with cancer.

Cera served in the House from 1983-96 and again from 2011-20, representing Belmont, Monroe, Noble, Jefferson and a portion of Washington County. He served on a variety of committees, including several that focused on coal and energy. He was Minority Whip for the Democratic Caucus in 2016.

Cera graduated from Bellaire High School in 1974 and from Brown University in 1978 with a degree in political science.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Becky, and their daughters Jaclyn (Brent) Yocum and Bethany (Jimmy) Trifonoff, as well as three granddaughters.

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde lauded Cera’s contributions to the state.

“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of my former colleague and friend, State Representative Jack Cera,” she said. “He was known in the legislature as an experienced leader who cared about and respected the General Assembly deeply, never losing sight of what it meant to represent his community in Columbus. Whether he was working to build our state’s infrastructure, advocating for greater transparency in government, or fighting for good-paying jobs, Jack was a tireless advocate for Southeast Ohio. I’m thinking of his family and everyone who knew him during this time.”

John M. Rogers, an attorney who served in the House alongside Cera, posted on social media about the loss of his friend.

“Jack was pretty special!” he wrote. “Not only a friend, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. In the Statehouse, he was a true Statesman, respected by all who knew him.

A leader, a colleague, and a mentor to many, his efforts not only helped his constituents, but in some ways would better the lives of everyone throughout Ohio.”

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the start of a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at South Bellaire Methodist Church, with arrangements being handled by Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville.