On Jan. 25, 2020, Todd Portune, who spent nearly 30 years in office as a Hamilton County commissioner, died at his home in Green Township, according to a statement from his family. He was 61.
"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," the statement read in part.
Portune has long struggled with cancer. On Sept. 12, 2019, he announced the disease had returned and that he would not seek re-election. He officially retired as county commissioner on Dec. 31, 2019. This piece by Howard Wilkinson first appeared on Sept. 16, 2019, one week after Portune announced he would retire.
And the GOP chairman asked "every citizen here, and every Republican" to pray for Portune's healing.
"Some things are bigger than politics,'' Triantafilou said.
Indeed, there are things far bigger than politics. That, too, is a lesson the young aspiring politician can learn from the example of Todd Portune.
Godspeed, Todd. Job well done.
