# List of people from Youngstown, Ohio

The following are notable or famous people who were all born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Youngstown, Ohio. Youngstown is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Mahoning County. The municipality is situated on the Mahoning River, approximately 65 miles (105 km) southeast of Cleveland and 61 miles (100 km) northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Youngstown has its own metropolitan area, but the Pittsburgh Tri-State and Greater Cleveland influence the region. Youngstown lies 10 miles (16 km) west of the Pennsylvania state line, midway between New York City and Chicago.
The city was named for John Young, an early settler from Whitestown, New York, who established the community's first sawmill and gristmill. Youngstown is located in a region of the United States that is often referred to as the Rust Belt. Traditionally known as a center of steel production, Youngstown was forced to redefine itself when the U.S. steel industry fell into decline in the 1970s, leaving communities throughout the region without major industry. The 2010 census showed that Youngstown had a total population of 66,982, making it Ohio's ninth largest city. A U.S. Census Bureau estimate released in July 2019 placed the population at 65,469.

## Arts and entertainment

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Sam Ayers | Actor | Born in Youngstown, Ohio |
| Stiv Bators | Singer and musician | Known for work with the punk rock band The Dead Boys; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Christopher Barzak | Author | Novelist, short story writer, attended Youngstown State University; resides in Youngstown |
| Billy Beck | Musician | Keyboardist, pianist, and songwriter for the Original and New Ohio Players, as well as Zapp and Roger; graduate of Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music; raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Pat Bilon | Actor | Appeared in Under the Rainbow and E.T.; born in Youngstown |
| Robert and Ronald Bell | Musicians | Members of funk and soul group Kool & the Gang; originally from Youngstown's east side |
| Mark Boals | Musician | Vocalist, known for his work with Yngwie Malmsteen, Ring of Fire, and Royal Hunt; born in Youngstown |
| Mick Boogie | Disk jockey | Official DJ of the Cleveland Cavaliers; born in Youngstown |
| Simeon Booker | Journalist | First African-American reporter for The Washington Post; journalist for Jet magazine; reported on the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the Youngstown Negro league baseball team; won numerous awards throughout his career; raised in Youngstown |
| Tiny Bradshaw | Musician | Jazz and rhythm and blues bandleader, known for 1950s "Train Kept A-Rollin'"; born in Youngstown |
| Lawrence Brownlee | American operatic tenor | particularly associated with the bel canto repertoire; born in Youngstown |
| Joseph G. Butler, Jr. | Philanthropist | Founder of Youngstown's Butler Institute of American Art, the first American museum dedicated EXCLUSIVELY to American art; lived in Youngstown |
| Jordan Christopher | Actor and singer | The lead singer of The Wild Ones; born in Youngstown |
| Jay Clayton | Musician | Avant-garde vocalist and jazz educator; born in Youngstown |
| François Clemmons | American singer, actor, writer and teacher | Best known for his appearing as "Officer Clemmons" on the television series Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Youngstown |
| Clay Cole | Radio personality | Disc jockey and host of The Clay Cole Show, 1959–1968; born in Youngstown |
| Jim Cummings | Voice actor | Known for providing the voice of Winnie-the-Pooh and Tigger; originally from Youngstown's north side |
| Mark Dailey | Television host | TV and radio news journalist in Toronto, Ontario, Canada; voice actor for animated films including Medabots and The Ripping Friends; born in Youngstown; served briefly as Ohio State Trooper |
| Tiffanie DeBartolo | Author, director | Writer and director of Dream for an Insomniac; born in Youngstown |
| John DeMain | Conductor | Former director of the Texas Opera Theater, Houston Grand Opera, and Opera Omaha; earned a Grammy for his recording of Porgy and Bess; born in Youngstown |
| Bob DiPiero | Songwriter | Has written 15 #1 country music hits for recording stars including the Oak Ridge Boys and former wife Pam Tillis; graduated from Youngstown State University; born and raised in Youngstown area |
| Donald Erb | Composer | Known for orchestral works such as "Concerto for Brass" and "Orchestra and Klangfarbenfunk"; born in Youngstown |
| Stan Foster | Producer, actor, writer and director | Best known for his role in the TV series Tour of Duty, where he played Marvin Johnson for 3 seasons; born in Youngstown |
| Joe Flynn | Actor | Co-star of 1960s television series McHale's Navy; originally from Youngstown's north side |
| Brian Gage | Author | Writes satire and fiction; born in Youngstown |
| Edmond Hamilton | Author | Pioneer science fiction writer; husband of screenplay writer Leigh Brackett; born in Youngstown |
| Grant E. Hamilton | Artist | Artist, political cartoonist. born in Youngstown |
| Dian Hart | Singer | Singer, recording artist and actor who recorded during 60s and early 1970s.; born in Youngstown |
| Elizabeth Hartman | Actress | American actress of the stage and screen; born in Youngstown |
| Tony Hinchcliffe | Comedian, writer, and podcaster | American comedian |
| Grace Keagy | Actress | American actress, best known for her work on the stage in character roles; born in Youngstown |
| Khaledzou | Music producer | Lead singer of indie rock band The Zou and member of the noise pop duo Munnycat; raised in Youngstown |
| Lady Miss Kier | Musician | Born Kierin Magenta Kirby, singer and disc jockey; known for work with early 1990s band Deee-Lite; later became an influential house and dance music writer and producer; born in Youngstown |
| Emanuel Kiriakou | Songwriter, musician, executive | He co-wrote and produced BillboardHot 100 charting singles. He graduated from Youngstown State University |
| Sorche Nic Leodhas | Author | Writer of prizewinning children's books based on Scottish legend; recipient of Newbery Honor and Caldecott Medal; born in Youngstown |
| Nanette Lepore | Fashion designer | Born in Youngstown and attended Youngstown State University |
| Dave Malkoff | Journalist | Network television news correspondent for The Weather Channel and NBC News; originally from Liberty Township and Youngstown's north side |
| Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth | Television personality | Raised on the city's north side |
| Val Mayerik | Artist | Comic book artist; co-creator of Howard the Duck; born in Youngstown |
| Maureen McGovern | Singer and actress | Known for "The Morning After" from the film The Poseidon Adventure and her ongoing recording, performance and stage career; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Michael McGovern | Author | A product of Youngstown's 19th-century steel mills who became nationally known as "the Puddler Poet" |
| Michael J. Moritz Jr. | Producer and musical director | Producer of 2013 Broadway musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and 2013 Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin; also musical director for many musicals and cabaret shows |
| Booker Newberry III | Musician | Member of mid-1970s soul groups Sweet Thunder ("Baby I Need Your Love Today") and Impact; born in Youngstown |
| Ed O'Neill | Actor | Known for TV series Modern Family and playing Al Bundy on Married... with Children; originally from Youngstown's north side |
| Sonny Parker | Musician | Blues and jazz singer, dancer and drummer who performed with Lionel Hampton; born in Youngstown |
| Michael Pataki | Actor | Veteran of television shows including The Green Hornet, The Flying Nun, McCloud, and Star Trek; born in Youngstown |
| Anthony Peck | Actor | He appeared in Die Hard, The Hunt for Red October, Last Action Hero, and Die Hard with a Vengeance; born in Youngstown |
| Michelle Pesce | DJ | International performances; born in Youngstown |
| Jane Randolph | Actress | Known for leading roles in low-budget film noir classics such as Cat People; born in Youngstown |
| Olga Rudge | Musician | Concert violinist; known in early years for recovering lost works of Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi; later gained notoriety as the long-term lover of expatriate poet Ezra Pound; born in Youngstown |
| Bill Saluga | Comedian | Known for character of Ray J. Johnson, who appeared on popular Miller Lite commercials in the 1980s; from Youngstown |
| Rae Samuels | vaudeville entertainer | known as "The Blue Streak of Vaudeville". Born in Youngstown, Ohio. |
| Victor Slezak | Actor | Appeared in The Bridges of Madison County and The Devil's Own; portrayed John F. Kennedy in science fiction cult classic Timequest; appeared in several episodes of Law & Order; audiobook narrator; born in Youngstown |
| David C. Smith (author) | Author | Author of fantasy, horror, and suspense fiction, medical editor, and essayist; born in Youngstown |
| Ross H. Spencer | Author | Mystery writer best remembered for satirical spoofs of private eye genre; lived in Youngstown |
| Michael Trikilis | Film producer | Playboy TV pioneer; film producer; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Rick Ungar | Writer, executive producer | Known for producing animated TV series Biker Mice From Mars; born in Youngstown |
| Paula Wagner | Film producer | Formed Cruise/Wagner Productions with film star Tom Cruise, which produced The Last Samurai, War of the Worlds, and the Mission: Impossible sequels; born in Youngstown |
| Jennifer Walcott | Actress | Limited film appearances; Playboy centerfold model, raised in Youngstown |
| Bob Walker | Photographer | Nature photographer and environmental activist; grew up in Youngstown |
| Albert Warner | Movie pioneer | Co-founder of Warner Bros. Studios; lived on Youngstown's north side |
| Harry Warner | Movie pioneer | Co-founder of Warner Bros. Studios; lived on Youngstown's north side |
| Jack L. Warner | Movie pioneer | Co-founder and eventual head of Warner Bros. studios; raised on Youngstown's north side |
| Sam Warner | Movie pioneer | Co-founder of Warner Bros.; procured technology for first feature-length talking picture; spent youth and early adulthood on Youngtown's north side |
| Mel Watkins | Author | Known for memoir Dancing with Strangers; raised on Youngstown's south side |
| James Weidman | American jazz pianist | born in Youngstown, Ohio |

## Musical groups

| Name | Style | Notes |
| Cherry Monroe | Alternative / glam | Debut single "Satellites" reached #85 on Billboard Hot 100 in 2005; from Youngstown |
| Gil Mantera's Party Dream | Synth pop | Known for their spectacular live shows and as part of the Van's Warped Tour; both Ultimate Donny and Gil Mantera were born and raised in Youngstown |
| Glass Harp | Rock | From the Youngstown area |
| The Human Beinz | Rock and roll | Members of the 1960s singing group known for their hit single "Nobody but Me"; from Youngstown |
| MUNNYCAT | Noise pop | Music has been featured over 100 times by brands such as EA Sports's FIFA 19, New Balance, Wendy's, eBay, Xbox, JCPenney, and Target; both members were raised in Youngstown |
| Youngstown | Rock/pop | From Youngstown and nearby Campbell, Ohio |
| The Edsels | Doo-wop | Their song "Rama Lama Ding Dong" peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; from the Youngstown area |

## Business

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Harry Burt | Confectioner | Created the Good Humor ice cream bar in the early 1920s, developed and introduced product in Youngstown |
| Gary Brantley | Chief Information Officer | Held numerous CIO roles, including Dekalb County Schools, City of Atlanta and currently Chief Information Officer for the National Football League |
| Joseph G. Butler, Jr. | Industrialist | Co-owner of the Ohio Steel Company, one of Youngstown's earliest steel manufacturers, and founder of the Butler Institute of American Art; lived in Youngstown |
| William M. Cafaro | Developer | Pioneer in construction of strip malls and enclosed malls, including the Eastwood Mall; born on Youngstown's east side |
| William H. Calbreath | Advertising icon | Presumed model for the Cream of Wheat trademark; lived and died in Youngstown |
| James A. Campbell | Industrialist | Co-founder of Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company; Campbell, Ohio, was named in his honor |
| Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. | Contractor and developer | Played a pioneering role in the development of the modern shopping mall; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Mary Wells Lawrence | Advertising executive | Developed iconic advertising campaigns of the 1960s; youngest person inducted into the Copywriter's Hall of Fame; born in Youngstown |
| Michael I. Monus | Discount chain entrepreneur | Co-founded the Phar-Mor discount drug chain, which had 200 outlets across the country before its dissolution in the early 1990s; born in Youngstown |
| Jon P. Ruggles | Business Executive | Galvanizing architect behind Delta Air Lines becoming a major player in energy trading. He generated more than a billion dollars in profits and bought a large oil refinery. He was featured as the leading character in the best-selling book The Secret Club that Runs the World, but also became the first insider-trading case for the CFTC, settling out of court without an admission of wrong-doing. |
| Ella P. Stewart | Pharmacist | One of the first African-American female pharmacists in the United States; resided in Youngstown |
| George D. Wick | Industrialist | Organized the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company with James A. Campbell; was among prominent figures who perished during the sinking of the Titanic on its maiden voyage |
| Roosevelt Zanders | Entrepreneur | |

## Education

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Salvatore Attardo | Professor | Professor at Youngstown State University and editor-in-chief of Humor, the journal for the International Society of Humor Research |
| G. William Domhoff | Sociologist | Known for controversial 1960s bestseller Who Rules America?; born in Youngstown |
| Louis Hartz | Political scientist | Known for 1955 classic The Liberal Tradition in America; born in Youngstown |
| Arthur Laffer | Economist | Former University of Southern California faculty member, known for controversial "Laffer curve"; born in Youngstown |
| William Holmes McGuffey | Educator | Known for development of McGuffey Readers; received early education in Youngstown |
| Ernest Carroll Moore | Educator | Co-founder of University of California, Los Angeles, born in Youngstown |
| Michael D. Morley | Educator | Known for Morley's categoricity theorem; born in Youngstown |
| Morris Slavin | Historian | Wrote five well-regarded historical works on the French Revolution; taught at Youngstown State University |
| Richard D. Wolff | Economist | Heterodox economist known for Marxian contributions |

## Military

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Giles B. Harber | US Naval Officer | Former Rear Admiral in the United States Navy. One-time Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet.]. Born in Youngstown |
| Fred Moosally | US Naval Officer | Former captain in the United States Navy. Served in many different assignments, including commander of a destroyer and the battleship USS Iowa. Born in Youngstown |
| Wilbur F. Simlik | Marine Corps Officer | Major General in the Marine Corps. Participated in three wars, decorated with Silver Star for bravery during World War II; born in Youngstown |

## Politics

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Amy Acton | Public health director | Born in Youngstown, attended Liberty High School (Ohio) |
| Frank J. Battisti | Judge | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio (1961–1994); known for rulings on Cleveland's school desegregation case; born and raised in Youngstown |
| John Boccieri | Lawmaker | Served in the Ohio House of Representatives's 61st District, 2000–2006; ran unopposed for a seat in the Ohio State Senate in 2006; born in Youngstown |
| Henry Lawrence Burnett | U.S. Assistant Judge Advocate General | Brevet brigadier general; prosecutor in trials for assassination of Abraham Lincoln; born in Youngstown |
| Capri Cafaro | Lawmaker | Ohio State Senator from 32nd District; from Youngstown |
| Charles J. Carney | Lawmaker | U.S. Representative 1970–1979; member of the Ohio Senate 1950–1970; born in Youngstown |
| William J. Carney | Legislator | U.S. Navy signalman and member of the Ohio General Assembly 1959-1960 and 1961-1962. |
| John Hessin Clarke | U.S. Supreme Court Justice | Appointed Supreme Court justice by President Woodrow Wilson, practiced law in Youngstown and was part-owner of The Youngstown Vindicator |
| John G. Cooper | Lawmaker | U.S. Representative, 1915–1937; resided in Youngstown |
| Ronald Daniels | Activist | Third-party candidate for President of the United States; executive director of Center for Constitutional Rights; graduate of Youngstown State University |
| Marc Dann | Attorney | Former Ohio Attorney General, elected to the position in 2006 as a Democrat; lives in nearby Liberty; practiced law in Youngstown before public office |
| Clarence Darrow | Attorney | Known for role as defense counsel in the Scopes Monkey Trial and Leopold and Loeb murder trial; first practiced law in Youngstown |
| James Arthur Ewing | Steel executive | 40th Governor of American Samoa |
| Bob Hagan | Lawmaker | Scion of an Ohio Democratic political family whose defeat in Youngstown's 2005 mayoral race was followed by a successful run for Ohio State Representative |
| Robert Hagan | Lawmaker | Served three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives; served as Trumbull County Commissioner; on traveling staff of vice presidential nominee Sargent Shriver in 1972; born in Youngstown |
| Tim Hagan | Lawmaker | Cuyahoga County, Ohio commissioner; Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio in 2002; born in Youngstown |
| Gus Hall | Activist | Co-founder of the United Steelworkers of America trade union; five-time U.S. presidential candidate; organized 1930s Little Steel Strike in Youngstown-Warren area |
| Martin J. Hillenbrand | Diplomat | U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, 1972–1976; born in Youngstown |
| Nathaniel R. Jones | Judge | U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; appointed in 1967 as assistant general counsel to President Lyndon B. Johnson's famed Kerner Commission; born and raised in Youngstown |
| James Kennedy | Lawmaker | U.S. Representative 1903–1911; resided in Youngstown |
| Michael J. Kirwan | Lawmaker | Member of U.S. House of Representatives (1937–1970); first Northerner to serve as chair of the influential National Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; widely credited with Democratic congressional victory of November 1954 |
| Staughton Lynd | Activist | Known for public opposition to the Vietnam War; served as labor lawyer and activist in the Youngstown area, where he currently resides |
| George McKelvey | Politician | Former Democratic mayor of Youngstown; in 2004, he broke ranks with his party to endorse President George W. Bush for a second term |
| George McMillin | Governor and Admiral | 38th and final Naval Governor of Guam; POW during World War II after surrendering at the First Battle of Guam; later a Rear Admiral |
| Volney Rogers | Attorney and civic leader | Played a key role in the establishment of Youngstown's celebrated Mill Creek Park |
| William R. Stewart | Lawmaker | Second African American to serve in the Ohio Senate; first African-American attorney to establish a practice in Youngstown |
| Hal Suit | Television broadcaster | Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, 1970, lost to Jimmy Carter |
| Robert W. Tayler | Lawmaker and judge | U.S. Representative, 1895–1903; in 1905 appointed by Theodore Roosevelt as District Judge of the Northern District of Ohio; lived in Youngstown |
| Sue Thomas | FBI Agent | First deaf person to work in this capacity, and the inspiration for the television series Sue Thomas: F.B. Eye |
| David Tod | Ohio Governor | Respected by President Abraham Lincoln for his measured response to dislocations of the American Civil War; was offered (but refused) the position of U.S. Secretary of Treasury |
| James A. Traficant, Jr. | Lawmaker | Former Democratic Representative; was sent to federal prison after being prosecuted by the federal government on corruption charges; born and raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Jay Williams | Politician | (Independent-Democrat); first African-American mayor of Youngstown; born on the city's east side; now resides near Cornersburg, on city's west side |

## Religion

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| George Bennard | Evangelist | Composer of "The Old Rugged Cross"; born in Youngstown |
| Joan Brown Campbell | American Christian minister and ecumenical leader | First ordained woman to be National Council of Churches president; born in Youngstown |
| Edward Mooney | Catholic cardinal | Archbishop of Detroit from 1937 until his death in 1958; raised on the north side of Youngstown |
| George Murry | Catholic bishop | First African-American bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown |
| Frank Schulman | Unitarian Universalist minister | Published several well-regarded books on the Unitarian tradition; served as Unitarian pastor in Youngstown |

## Science

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Jerri Nielsen, M.D. | Physician | Doctor and author, known for Ice Bound, the New York Times bestseller on the medical crisis she endured while trapped at a South Pole research station; born and raised in the Youngstown area |
| Ronald A. Parise, Ph.D. | NASA astronaut, payload specialist | Graduate of Youngstown State University |
| Thomas Bopp | Amateur astronomer | Co-discoverer of Comet Hale–Bopp in 1995; graduate of Youngstown State University |

## Sports

| Name | Occupation | Notes |
| Tyler Allgeier | Football player | Running back for the Atlanta Falcons; born in Youngstown |
| Red Ames | Baseball player | Played for the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies, 1903–1919; from Youngstown-Warren area |
| Cameron Argetsinger | Auto racing executive | Created the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Race Course; born in Youngstown |
| Harry Arroyo | Boxer | IBF Lightweight Champion of the World (1984 and 1985); born and raised in Youngstown |
| Russell "Busty" Ashbaugh | Football coach | Squad captain at Brown University; coach at Youngstown's South High School; mentor to collegiate and professional players including Bob Dove; trainer of coaches including Youngstown State University's Dwight "Dike" Beede and Ohio State University's Wes Fesler |
| Russell "Pete" Ashbaugh | Football player | Member of the University of Notre Dame's 1946 and 1947 national championship teams; drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers; played professionally for the Chicago Rockets; from Youngstown |
| Bob Babich | Football player | Played for the San Diego Chargers and the Cleveland Browns 1970–1978; born in Youngstown |
| Floyd Baker | Baseball player | Played for the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, and the Philadelphia Phillies, 1943–1955; lived and died in Youngstown |
| Dwight "Dike" Beede | Football coach | Celebrated head coach at Youngstown State University, 1938–1972; inventor of the penalty flag |
| Tommy Bell | Boxer | Fought for welterweight title against Sugar Ray Robinson in 1946; born in Youngstown |
| Dan Benish | Football player | Played for Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins 1983–1987; born in Youngstown |
| Lynn Bowden | Football player | American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) ; born in Youngstown |
| Rich Buzin | Football player | American football offensive tackle who played five seasons in the National Football League with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears ; born in Youngstown |
| Walt Cassidy | Football player | Played for the Kenosha Maroons in 1924. |
| Roy Castleton | Baseball player | Played for New York Highlanders and Cincinnati Reds, 1907–1910; gained national recognition for pitching a perfect game for the Youngstown Ohio Works ball club |
| Matt Cavanaugh | Football player | Played for the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants, 1978–1991; born and raised on Youngstown's west side |
| Maurice Clarett | Football player | Former Ohio State University football standout; from Youngstown-Warren area |
| Bob Commings | Football coach | Led Iowa Hawkeyes to a 12-10 upset victory over UCLA in 1974; born in Youngstown |
| Bob Davie | Football coach | Former head coach and defensive coordinator of the University of Notre Dame football team; current football analyst for ESPN and ABC; graduate of Youngstown State University |
| Edward J. DeBartolo Jr. | Owner | Former owner of the San Francisco 49ers; born in Youngstown |
| Bob Dove | Football player and coach | College Football Hall of Fame, All-America end at the University of Notre Dame; eight seasons in the NFL for the Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, 1948–1954; assistant coach at Youngstown State University; born in Youngstown |
| Dave Dravecky | baseball player | former American professional baseball player, for the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants ; born in Youngstown |
| William Thomas "Mother" Dunn | Football player | First outstanding linebacker in the history of Penn State Nittany Lions football; born in Youngstown |
| Doc Elliott | Football player | All-American at Lafayette College who went on to play for Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Bulldogs, and Philadelphia Quakers in 1920s; born in Youngstown |
| Sammy Ellis | Baseball player | Pitched for Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox in 1960s; born in Youngstown |
| Billy Evans | Umpire (Hall of Fame) | First hired to fill umpire vacancy at city's South Side Park; raised on Youngstown's west side |
| James Farragher | Football coach | Coach at University of Notre Dame; compiled record of 14 wins, four losses, and two ties between 1901 and 1902; born in Youngstown |
| Mike Farragher | Prize fighter | Nationally known in late 19th and early 20th centuries; from Youngstown |
| Wes Fesler | Football coach | Three-sport athlete at the Ohio State University, including three consecutive years as a consensus first-team All-America selection in American football; football head coach at Wesleyan University, University of Pittsburgh, Ohio State University, and University of Minnesota; head basketball coach at Harvard University and Princeton University; born in Youngstown |
| Mike Flores | Football player | Played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Washington Redskins 1991–1995; born in Youngstown |
| Sloko Gill | Football player | First person from Youngstown to play in the NFL; center for the Detroit Lions in 1942; coached at Youngstown State University and Campbell Memorial High School |
| David Givens | Football player | Wide receiver for the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans 2002–2007; born in Youngstown |
| George Glinatsis | Baseball player | Played for the Seattle Mariners in 1994; born in Youngstown |
| Paul Halleck | Football player | Played for the Cleveland Rams in 1937 |
| Brad Hennessey | Baseball player | Played for the San Francisco Giants 2004–2008; drafted during first round of 2001 MLB Draft out of Youngstown State University |
| John Hirschbeck | Umpire | MLB umpire since 1984; has worked 3 World Series; currently resides in Poland |
| Edward J. Hogan | Pole vaulter | Track and field standout at University of Notre Dame; included on Notre Dame's sports Wall of Honor; from Westlake's Crossing district of Youngstown |
| Marty Hogan | Baseball player | Played for Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Browns 1894–1895; managed minor league clubs, including Youngstown Ohio Works; raised in Westlake's Crossing district of Youngstown |
| Tony Janiro | Boxer | Middleweight who took on Jake LaMotta, Rocky Graziano, and Kid Gavilán between 1943 and 1954; raised in Youngstown |
| Bernie Kosar | Football player | Former American football quarterback, playing for the Cleveland Browns (from 1985 to 1993 ), the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins. With the Cowboys, he won Super Bowl XXVIII on January 30, 1994. Born in Youngstown, Ohio |
| Ron Jaworski | Football player | Former professional football player, 1973–1989; current NFL analyst on ESPN; graduated from Youngstown State University |
| Andrew Kosco | Baseball player | Played for the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, Boston Red Sox, and Cincinnati Reds 1965–1974; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Jack Kralick | Baseball player | Played for the Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins 1959–1967; from Youngstown |
| Johnny Kucab | Baseball player | Gained early visibility in Youngstown minor league clubs; played professionally with Philadelphia Athletics, 1950–1952; where he was instrumental in winning Connie Mack's last game as a major league manager; died in nearby Campbell |
| Jeff Lampkin | Boxer | Won the USBA cruiserweight title in 1988; added the IBF cruiserweight belt in 1990 with a knockout of British boxer Glenn McCrory; born in Youngstown |
| William J. Leonard | Football player | Played for undefeated University of Notre Dame football team that won national championship in 1947; played professionally for Baltimore Colts 1949–1950; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Paul Maguire | Broadcaster and football player | Linebacker and punter for the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills 1960–1970; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Mark Malaska | Baseball player | Played for Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2003 and 2004 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox; born and raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Joe Malmisur | American football coach and college athletics administrator | Head football coach at Heidelberg College and Hiram College. Ended his career as the athletic director at Youngstown State University from 1983 to 1994. From Youngstown, Ohio. |
| Lenny "Boom Boom" Mancini | Boxer | An American professional boxer in the lightweight, welterweight and middleweight divisions, the father of Ray Mancini. From Youngstown, Ohio. |
| Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini | Boxer | Former Lightweight Champion of the World (1980s); originally from Youngstown's south side |
| Ross Matiscik | Football player | NFL player; Born in Youngstown |
| Jimmy McAleer | Baseball player and manager | Played for Cleveland Spiders and St. Louis Browns, 1889–1907; managed St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators; part-owner of Boston Red Sox; instrumental in formation of American League; born and died in Youngstown |
| Kyle McCarthy | Football player | NFL safety, played collegiately at University of Notre Dame; from Youngstown |
| Paul McFadden | Football player | Placekicker for the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons, 1984–1989; graduated from Youngstown State University; resides in Youngstown |
| Deacon McGuire | Baseball player | Played for Detroit Tigers, Washington Senators, Cleveland Blues, 1884–1912; participated in more Major League Baseball seasons than any catcher in the history of the game; later manager and coach; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Frank McPhee | Football player | All-American and NFL player |
| Jaime Mendez | Football player | All-American at Kansas State University in 1993 |
| Fred Mundee | Football player | Played for Chicago Bears |
| Ed Muransky | Football player | Played for Los Angeles Raiders (Super Bowl XVII Champions), 1982–1984; born and raised in Youngstown |
| John Nocera | American football player | Played linebacker five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos; born in Youngstown |
| Jerry Olsavsky | Football player | Played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens, 1989–1998; attended Chaney High School on the city's west side |
| Kelly Pavlik | Boxer | Former WBC and WBO middleweight champion; originally from Youngstown's south side |
| Bo Pelini | Football coach | Former head coach of the Youngstown State University Penguins football team; former head coach of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Carl Pelini | Football coach | Coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls football team; born and raised in Youngstown |
| George Poschner | Football player | All-America end at the University of Georgia in 1942, selected in the eighth round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions; his sports career ended when he lost both legs while serving in the military during World War II; born on Youngstown's west side |
| Dave Rajsich | Baseball player | Played for New York Yankees and Texas Rangers, 1978–1980; born in Youngstown |
| Keiwan Ratliff | Football player | Played in the NFL, 2004–present; born in Youngstown |
| John D. Reese | Trainer | Treated Ty Cobb, Cy Young, and other Major League Baseball players; settled in Youngstown |
| Billy Rhiel | Baseball player | Played for three teams, including the Detroit Tigers, in the late 1920s and early 1930s; born in Youngstown |
| Greg Richardson | Boxer | WBC World Bantamweight Champion, 1991; born and raised on the east side of Youngstown |
| Jamie Rivers | American football player | Former American football linebacker who played eight seasons in the NFL.; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Terry Rozier | Basketball player | Plays for the Boston Celtics, 2015–present; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Jack Scheible | Baseball player | Played for Cleveland Spiders and Philadelphia Phillies 1893–1894; born and died in Youngstown |
| Earnie Shavers | Boxer | Won AAU Heavyweight Championship in 1969; born, raised and began early career in Youngstown-Warren area |
| George Shuba | Baseball player | Played for Brooklyn Dodgers 1948–1955; captured in legendary 1946 photo shaking hands with Jackie Robinson; born and raised in Youngstown; resides in Austintown |
| John Simon | American football player | Defensive end for the New England Patriots of the NFL, Played for the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts. Born in Youngstown, Ohio |
| Frank Sinkwich | Football player | Played for three teams, including the Detroit Lions, 1943–1947; 1942 Heisman Trophy winner; attended the University of Georgia; attended Chaney High School on the city's west side |
| Brad Smith | Football player | Wide receiver for New York Jets; formerly played for University of Missouri; graduate of Youngstown's Chaney High School |
| Ken Smith | Baseball player | First-round draft choice of the Atlanta Braves in 1976; played for the Atlanta Braves 1981–1983; born, raised, and currently resides in Youngstown |
| Sherman Smith | Football player | Played for the Seattle Seahawks and San Diego Chargers, 1976–1983; born in Youngstown |
| Isaac Smolko | Football player | Tight end at Penn State University; played for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007; from Youngstown |
| Jim Snowden | Football player | Played for the Washington Redskins 1965–1971; previously with University of Notre Dame; born in Youngstown |
| Craig Snyder | Boxer | Junior Middleweight World Champ; fought Hector "Macho" Camacho in the 1990s; born in Youngstown-Warren area |
| Bob Stoops | Football coach | Former head coach at the University of Oklahoma; born and raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Mark Stoops | Football coach | Current head coach at the University of Kentucky; born and raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Mike Stoops | Football coach | Former head coach at the University of Arizona; born and raised on Youngstown's south side |
| Jim Tressel | Football coach | Originally from Mentor; head coach at the Ohio State University; led Youngstown State to four national championships in 1990s |
| Floyd Trevis | builder of racing cars and sprint cars | Trevis provided the vehicles for a great number of champions; from Struthers, a suburb of Youngstown, Ohio. |
| Bob Wood | baseball player | played all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball; died at his home in Youngstown, Ohio |
| Denise DeBartolo York | Owner | Owner of San Francisco 49ers; daughter of billionaire real estate developer Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.; born and raised in Youngstown; currently lives in Canfield, Ohio |
| Jed York | CEO | CEO of the San Francisco 49ers; son of Denise Debartolo York and nephew of former 49ers owner Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr.; born and raised in Youngstown |
| Jeff Wilkins | Football player | Played for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and St. Louis Rams, 1994–2007; born and raised on Youngstown's west side in Austintown |
| Mike Zordich | Football player | a former American football defensive back, and defensive backs coach for the Central Michigan Chippewas; attended Chaney High School in Youngstown. |