PBS Western Reserve was the presenting station for a new documentary about the life and career of a renowned Ohio congressman. RALPH REGULA: THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO premiered on July 22, just three days after Regula died at age 92. Producer Ron Ponder said that Regula had enjoyed watching the finished production a few weeks before he died. The program chronicles the life and career of Regula, who served Ohio’s 16th district for 36 years, from 1973 to 2009. It features his own recollections, as well as those of family, friends and colleagues.

Regula, a native of the Canton area, was well known for supporting and assisting local individuals and organizations. RALPH REGULA: THE GENTLEMAN FROM OHIO includes anecdotal stories of how the congressman helped ordinary citizens in his district. “One person can make a difference—just one person,” Regula says. “In fact, most things happen because of one person.”

The hourlong production was funded by the following organizations through the Stark Community Foundation: Akron Children’s Hospital; Aultman Health Foundation/Healthcare; Belden Brick Charitable Trust; Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Fresh Mark, Inc.; Invacare; Ohio Erie Canalway; The Pro Football Hall of Fame; Richard Nicely; Stark Development Board; Stark State College; Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company; and The Wilderness Center.

Premiered on PBS Western Reserve, July 2017.