In a statement released by his family Saturday, it was announced that longtime Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune passed away that evening at the age of 61 at his home in Green Township, surrounded by his loved ones.
Portune, who recently retired due to an ongoing battle with cancer, passed with grace and peace, according to his family.
Portune graduated from Colerain High School in 1976 and graduated from Oberlin College with a political science degree.
In 1983, he was a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, later becoming an attorney.
He first took office as a commissioner in 2001.
THE FAMILY'S FULL STATEMENT:
It is with sadness that the family of Todd B. Portune share the news of his passing at his home in Green Town Saturday evening. Todd was surrounded by his entire family and passed with grace and peace.
Todd was a tireless champion for all people, and has left the world a better place through his long legacy of care and love for Hamilton County.
Todd is survived by his greatest love of all, his children Ethan, Ellyse and Emma.
The family would like to thank everyone who has expressed their support, and well wishes.
Arrangements for his services will be announced soon.
Several local leader have shared their condolences after hearing of Portune's passing...
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley
“Tonight we mourn the loss of a giant in our community. Commissioner Portune was a force of nature, a visionary with a true servant’s heart. But most important, he was my friend and I viewed him as a mentor that taught me the importance of speaking up for the public interest. He said things that are true but most politicians were afraid to say. He had courage. May we all strive to live up to the legacy he leaves behind. Todd did not lose the battle, he persevered—as he did his whole life—to the other side. We will miss him terribly. Please join me in praying for the Portune family, may they find peace and comfort during this time of incredible grief.”
“The greatest among you shall be your servant.”
Cincinnati Vice Mayor Chris Smitherman
Victoria Parks, Portune's former Chief of Staff who is currently serving out the remainder of his term as Hamilton County Commissioner, released a statement Saturday night...
Todd was a phenomenon of motion, from his scholastic years running like the wind and exalting in victory with a grin, until the times when health limited his mobility to crutches and finally a wheelchair. Still, Todd's took the time and made the effort to reach back to assist those less fortunate than he, it is a fitting tribute to his legacy that Maslow's Army payed tribute by naming their conveyance "The Portune Express".
A force of nature utilizing whatever was necessary to move upward and onward; running, walking, rolling toward his destination, yet never forgetting his fellow citizens, crossing the aisle, bridging the gap, striving to better the plight of his community, of our community.
I will miss him as a mentor and as a friend, his example will inspire me for the rest of my days.
In the aftermath of losing him I can only reflect on the experience of losing my mother. In that instance my only consolation was to turn to my siblings for comfort, for their loss was as great as mine. In that spirit I will turn to you the citizenry of Hamilton County, because Todd loved our community as only, we who knew him understand.
Rest, Todd you have crossed the finish line in first place in the hearts and minds of all that knew you.
Well done! Good and faithful servant.