CINCINNATI — The Hamilton County Republican Party is mourning the loss of Norbert Nadel, a former judge and county recorder, who died Saturday at the age of 82.
The @HamCoGOP mourns the passing of our friend and legendary judge, Norbert Nadel. Judge Nadel will forever be remembered as a man of integrity and good humor. The loss to our community is immense. May his memory be a blessing.
— Hamilton County GOP (@HamCoGOP) July 10, 2021
A Cincinnati native, Nadel was a judge on the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas from 1982 to 2015. He was appointed to the court by former Governor Jim Rhodes. Before taking the bench, he worked as a city and federal prosecutor.
"I learned a lot of legal stuff, but I learned more about life from watching him," said Steve Goodin, Cincinnati city council member. "He was incredibly kind to people, no matter who they were or where they were from."
After 40 years on the bench, Nadel retired in 2014, but not before presiding over some of the region’s most memorable cases, including the showdown between Pete Rose and Major League Baseball over gambling, and the trial of former judge Tracie Hunter.
"He was not a very formal judge," said Joe Deters, Hamilton County prosecutor, during a phone interview. "He was very accommodating to both sides. He always gave everybody a fair trial."
So sorry to learn of the passing of Judge and former County Recorder Norbert Nadel. I enjoyed working with him in county government, admired his devotion to public service and will always treasure the memory of his friendship. Thoughts and prayers for his wife, Linnea.
— Dusty Rhodes (@AuditorRhodes) July 10, 2021
After a contentious race against Charlie Winburn, he won the GOP's nomination for Hamilton County Recorder and ultimately the election, taking office in 2016.
"He was a person with strong opinions on taxes and other things and, as a judge you have to really contain those things," said Alex Triantafilou, Hamilton County GOP chair. "But once he left the judiciary, he was sort of free to speak out more."
Nadel ran for re-election in 2020 and lost in the general election.
Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary @HamCoGOP Judge Nick Nadel. Judge Nadel was an outstanding jurist but an even better gentleman. Personally, I loved Nick. He was a loyal Republican and dear friend. Thoughts with his beautiful wife Linnea and his family.
— Alex Triantafilou (@ChairmanAlex) July 10, 2021
Nadel attended the University of Cincinnati and completed his undergraduate degree in 1961. He earned his J.D. from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University in 1965.
