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Meet
Ben Konop
Lucas County Roots
My grandparents, Ann and Harry Welch, settled in Toledo after immigrating
to our community from Poland and Russia in the 1920’s. My grandfather’s
first job here was selling fly swatters door-to-door for a penny. He
also worked at the old Willys-Overland factory before starting his
own small business in town. Through hard work and determination, my
grandparent’s small business became a success. They were able
to buy a house, raise a family, and eventually send their three daughters
to college.
One of my aunts returned to Toledo and embarked on a career in
public service which culminated with her serving four terms as Lucas
County Commissioner. My mother also returned to Toledo after college.
She received a master’s degree from the University
of Toledo, became
a teacher, social worker, and active community volunteer, and married
my father Alan.
My dad, the son of Polish and Russian immigrants himself, was born and
raised in Port Huron, Michigan. Following graduation from the University
of Michigan, he was drawn to our community by the night law school at
the University of Toledo. For four years my father worked during the
day and attended UT law classes at night. He graduated with a law degree
in 1963 and started his practice in Toledo. For over 40 years, he has
been a leading member of the Toledo Bar and has served our community
admirably in a number of capacities. He currently is the President of
the Toledo Police Athletic League, serves on the Board of Community Relations,
and is a founder of Mountain Mentors.
A Lucas County Upbringing
I
was born, raised, and educated in the public schools of Lucas County.
While blessed with a comfortable upbringing, my parents made sure that
I realized the value of a dollar and cared for those who were less fortunate.
While in junior high, my father would drop me off at Reverend Savage’s
soup kitchen in the central city to volunteer with the homeless. At age
12, I got my first job as a paper boy for The Toledo Blade.
Throughout high school, I
was active in athletics , playing varsity baseball and captaining
the varsity basketball team. I was also
a columnist and
editor on my school newspaper, The Arrowhead. |
