Former Hamilton Co. Commissioner Todd Portune Passes Away At 61

Monday, January 27, 2020 at 10:07 AM

Portune died at his home in Green Township following a battle with cancer.

File photo.

(Cincinnati, Oh.) – Longtime Hamilton County commissioner Todd Portune has died following a battle with cancer.

Portune died Saturday at his home in Green Township, his family announced in a statement.

He was 61.

Portune, a Democrat, was elected Hamilton County commissioner in 2000, becoming the first Democrat to hold office in almost 40 years. He officially resigned office on December 31, 2019 after announcing his cancer had returned.

Prior to his time as commissioner, Portune served as a Cincinnati City Councilman.

Some of his greatest accomplishments were overhauling the SORTA Board and the Metropolitan Sewer District, improving infant mortality rates and helping develop The Banks, among other projects.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley released the following statement following Portune’s death:

“Tonight we mourn the loss of a giant in our community,” said Mayor John Cranley. “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.”