BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP — Ralph Regula, a Republican who served for 36 years as a U.S. representative for Ohio’s 16th congressional district, died Wednesday at age 92.

Regula was first elected to the seat in 1972, and served on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Labor, Health, Human Services and Education.

In Congress, he was known as a champion of alternative energy and directed appropriations to Ohio for fuel cell research and development.

A farmer and World War II veteran, Regula worked as a teacher, school official and attorney before running for Congress.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, reacted to the news on Thursday.

“Ralph Regula was small in stature but a giant of a man,” Portman said. “An amazing public servant, he served in the United States Navy, and then he served in the United States House of Representatives for three decades. He loved Ohio, and he loved his hometown Nevarre, Ohio. He was a great champion for education.”

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown cited two of Regula’s accomplishments in his tribute.

“Without Ralph, there would be no Cuyahoga Valley National Park,” Brown said. “Without Ralph and Mary, there would be no First Ladies Historic Site in Canton. Those are just two bookends on an incredible life dedicated to public service.”