Lee Comisar

1930 - 2017

Comisar

Lee Comisar passed away surrounded by his family on December 19th. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 66 years, Joan Hempel. Devoted father to Michael E. Comisar, Marc (Paula) Comisar, and Vallie (Rodney) Geier. Adored grandfather and "Da" to Jason (Jackie) Comisar, Margaux (Mark) Higgins, Max (Angela) Comisar, Alex Comisar, Natalie (Matt) Geier Cohen, Emily (Alex) Vollmer, Vallie (David) Tapke, and 12 great-grandchildren (Lily, Carter, & Mira Comisar, Wyatt & Kendall Higgins, Charlie Comisar, Glady, Phelps, & Pfeiffer Cohen, Makena Vollmer, and Olivia & Blaire Tapke). Preceded in death by his granddaughter, Makena "Kenzie" Comisar, in 2002.

Lee was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 15, 1930. Son of the late Nat and Vallie Comisar, Lee was quick-witted, intelligent and well known among his friends as an excellent card player and golfer, especially on the putting green. He was club champion of The Springs Club in Rancho Mirage, California. He was known for his impeccable fashion sense and love of convertibles. There wasn't a person he didn't know or a chocolate malt he didn't love. He loved his family and was a large part of their lives.

When his father died a few months after opening the Maisonette in 1949, Lee left the University of Cincinnati to help his mother run the family restaurant. The Maisonette, known for its fine French cuisine and service, thrived under Lee's leadership. The restaurant received Mobil Travel Guide's prestigious five star rating for 41 consecutive years - a record unmatched by any restaurant in North America. With his high standards and inherent sense of fairness, he was well-respected by peers and employees alike. His family also operated other restaurants including La Normandie, The Golden Lamb, Chester's Roadhouse, Newport Beach, Yankee Tavern in Centerville, and Junior's restaurant.

In addition to becoming an iconic figure in the restaurant world, Lee was President of the Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army of Cincinnati and was a longtime member of the Commercial Club. Lee was in the Young Presidents' Organization. He was inducted into the Distinguished Restaurants of North America Hall of Fame as well as the Sigma Chi Fraternity Hall of Fame. He was an esteemed member of the Chevaliers du Tastevin Society, Escoffier Society, and Kenwood Country Club.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at 4pm at Indian Hill Church (6000 Drake Rd, 45243).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to LADD (Living Arrangements for the Developmentally Disabled), 3603 Victory Pkwy, 45229, or Kenzie's Closet, P.O. Box 43285, Cincinnati, OH 45243.

A special thanks to Anita Baker for her friendship and wonderful care. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Kenwood Terrace Care Center and Crossroads Hospice.