Simon L. Leis

SIMON L. LEIS, JR. June 12, 1934 - June 27, 2026

Simon “Si” L. Leis, Jr. passed away on June 27, 2026 at the age of 92. Born on June 12, 1934 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Simon Leis, Sr., a Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, and Ida Leis (nee Pilger). Si graduated from St. Xaver High School, Cincinnati, Ohio in 1952, Xavier University in 1956 and entered the U.S. Marine Corps, serving Active Duty from 1957 to 1960, having participated in landing and operations of the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment in Beirut, Lebanon in 1958 and receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1971, having attained the rank of Captain. He received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Salmon P. Chase Law School in 1965.

Si’s storied career in public service is well documented, serving as an Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Cincinnati from 1966 to 1968, Assistant City Solicitor for the City of Cincinnati from 1968 to 1969, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio from 1969 to 1971 when he was appointed Prosecuting Attorney of Hamilton County, Ohio. Si was then elected to four-year terms as Prosecuting Attorney of Hamilton County, Ohio in 1972, 1976 and 1980. He was elected Judge for the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas in 1982. Si was appointed Sheriff of Hamilton County, Ohio in 1987, elected Sheriff of Hamilton County, Ohio in 1988 and reelected Sheriff in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and retired in 2012. Si’s legendary career as a public servant and champion of law and order and the rights of the citizens of Hamilton County include accolades too numerous to mention. His integrity and commitment to the community was well recognized in that, among other things, he was elected and reelected to every position he was appointed to or ran for.

SI was a “mans Man”, fiercely loyal and steadfastly committed to his family and friends, his faith and his obligations to the citizens of Hamilton County. In one of his last public engagements, and in his own words, Si said:

“I truly cannot find the words to relay to each of you and the whole community just how honored I am, and the privilege I have had, to live in and serve the people of this great city and Hamilton County for so any years. It has, and always will be, the story of my life.”

More than all of his public service and his commitment to the citizens of Hamilton County, Si was a devoted husband of almost seventy years to his dear wife, Margery, a loving and proud father to his son Simon Leis, III (deceased), his daughters Julie (Raleigh), Jill (Franke) and Jodie (George) and a guiding influence to his grandchildren Kyle (Natalie) Raleigh, Chelsea Raleigh, Carter Taleigh, Francis Simon George, Hal Samuel George, Lonny Elijah George, McKensie (Johnathan) Lahrman, Bailey (Nathan) Eckberg and Remington George. Cherished great grandfather of Wrenley and Rhett. Dear brother of Ida Jane Staley. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Si is preceded in passing by his son Simon L. Leis III, his granddaughter Madison Raleigh, his siblings Mary Clare Torbeck, Katie Jo Gay, Margaret Leis, and Babs Leis. He was a true force of nature and will live in our hearts and memories and serve as a guiding light to all of us who were fortunate enough to spend time with him. Visitation will be held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, 325 w. 8th St., on July 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM with Mass of Christian Burial following at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Madi’s House, a nonprofit organized and established in memory of Si Leis’ granddaughter who died by suicide in 2019. Memorial donations will help fund the construction of the Si Leis Wellness and Fitness Center, a mental health facility serving teens and young adults. Madi’s House, 2360 Kipling Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45239. www.mhcincy.com. Condolences may be sent at www.bjmeyer.com. B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home serving the family.