By William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Joseph L. DeCourcy Jr., former Hamilton County auditor, Hamilton County commissioner and Cincinnati city councilman, died Tuesday at Hospice of Cincinnati in Blue Ash.

Mr. DeCourcy, a lifelong resident of Cincinnati who dedicated his life to his family and public service, was 81.

A graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass., Mr. DeCourcy worked as a real-estate broker before beginning his public-service career when he was elected to Cincinnati City Council in 1957. He later served as Cincinnati vice mayor.

Mr. DeCourcy was elected a Hamilton County commissioner in 1962 and served until 1969. In 1970, he was elected Hamilton County auditor, an office he held until his resignation in March 1990.

Mr. DeCourcy resigned amid controversy and an ongoing investigation by the Ohio State Auditor's Office. A state auditor's report released in April 1990 stated that DeCourcy and his chief deputy and nephew, Michael J. "Mickey" Esposito, had improperly granted more than $29.2 million in property value reductions.

Mr. DeCourcy was subsequently indicted on 190 felony and misdemeanor charges of reducing taxes of friends and political allies, but in January 1992 pleaded no contest to five misdemeanor charges - one charge of theft, two charges of listing false property values and two counts of dereliction of duty. A 180-day day sentence was waived.

Mr. DeCourcy was a former director and vice-president of the Hamilton County Republican Club, and a member of the executive committee of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

"Joe had more friends than most people can find in a lifetime,'' said longtime friend William J. Keating, former U.S. congressman and former publisher of The Cincinnati Enquirer. "Everybody loved Joe and enjoyed being in his company. He dearly loved his family and friends."

Said his sister, Helen DeCourcy Williams of Anderson Township: "He was such a kind and thoughtful person who loved everyone and everyone loved him."

"He was a dedicated public servant. He was always there," said former Hamilton County Commissioner Bob Wood, who served on the board with Mr. DeCourcy. "I can't ever recall him missing a day."

In addition to his sister, Mr. DeCourcy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Polly DeCourcy; daughters, Connie D. Cussen, Ludie Bobbitt and Karen Graham, all of Anderson Township; brother, Dr. Neil B. DeCourcy, of Delray Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian burial will be 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Rose Catholic Church, 2501 Eastern Ave. in the East End. There will be no visitation. Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of Cincinnati, 4310 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242.