WEST CARROLLTON — Bill Covell, a local government official for three decades, died Wednesday.

Director of economic development in West Carrollton for the past four years, Covell, 63, also worked as manager or on economic and community development for Centerville, Riverside, Springboro and Carlisle.

“”It’s still hard to believe,” Centerville City Manager Greg Horn said. We met in 1980. We were both young city managers.”

Covell first worked as administrator in Andover, a village east of Cleveland.

He was hired as city manager in Springboro in 1982.

In 1993 he resigned over policy disagreements with the city council and ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1999.

“Bill was never shy about sharing his opinions,” said Brad Townsend, city manager in West Carrollton.

As Springboro manager, Covell hired Townsend as assistant in 1990. They also worked together in Carlisle. “He was a longtime friend and mentor,” Townsend said. “I’m grateful that I got the opportunity to work with him again during the past four years.”

Covell died of cancer in West Chester .

“His illness progressed very rapidly and his passing comes as somewhat of a shock to us,” Townsend added.

Covell was directly involved in building support for the $26 million renovation of Exit 47, West Carrollton’s interchange on Interstate 75. He also developed vast contacts at the local, state and federal level, according to West Carrollton Mayor Jeff Sanner.

“It’s going to be hard for the city to replace him,” Sanner said.

Covell is survived by his wife Gay, son Jason, daughter-in-law Sybil, and grandson Vincent.

Funeral arrangements were pending.