William Zeff

WILLIAM ZEFF FEB. 9, 1911 - FEB. 17, 2007 Judge Zeff was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 9, 1911. He was the fifth of nine children of Benjamin and Pesse Zeff. As a young child, Willie and his family crossed the country by train to California. The family ultimately settled in Modesto and lived in the family home on Eleventh Street.

The Judge attended local schools and graduated from Modesto High School in 1929. He entered Modesto Junior College and then enrolled at University of California Hastings College of the Law. He graduated third in his law school class in 1935. He soon returned to Modesto where he was hired by the Stanislaus County District Attorney. Judge Zeff was so eager to obtain employment that his first position was unpaid. Judge Zeff remained with the District Attorney's office until 1949. He joined the Coast Guard in 1942 and was honorably discharged as a lieutenant in the fall of 1945.

While with the District Attorney's office, Zeff met Les Cleary. Cleary and Zeff left the District Attorney's office and formed the law office of Cleary & Zeff. In 1950, both Zeff and Cleary became charter members of the American College of Trial Lawyers which is now recognized as the most prestigious trial lawyers association.

While in private practice, Zeff was widely regarded as one of the best lawyers in the State. During the early 1950's, Zeff was appointed to the Board of Governors of the State Bar of California. At the time, he was the youngest person ever to be appointed to that position. Zeff was also the President of the Stanislaus County Bar Association. In addition to his affiliations with professional groups, Zeff was very active in local affairs. He was the Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club, a charter member of Del Rio Country Club and the Sportsmen of Stanislaus Club, a long-time member of Modesto Rotary Club, and an active participant in the Trade Club. Zeff became a member of the Modesto Properties Company, a duck club, in 1953 and remained an active hunter until 1980.

In 1965, Zeff, a Republican, was appointed to the Stanislaus County Superior Court by Governor Pat Brown, a Democrat. Zeff soon established himself as a tough but fair and knowledgeable jurist. Many lawyers can still attest to Zeff's well-earned reputation as a demanding but highly respected judge.

During his tenure as a judge, Zeff was appointed to the Judicial Council for the State of California. He also served as pro-tem judge in the Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District. He proudly participated in many naturalization ceremonies and was the first recipient of the Modesto Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3199 Loyalty Award for having sworn in over 750 people as naturalized citizens.

Judge Zeff left the bench in 1979. Although retired, he kept abreast of new developments in the law and acted as an arbitrator for several years.

Judge Zeff is survived by Agnes Zeff, his wife of 62 years and their three children; Peter Zeff and wife Maggie of Modesto, Ann Zeff of Carmel and Tom Zeff and wife Shelly of Oakdale. He leaves five adoring grandchildren; Michael Zeff, Brad Zeff, Peter Jamison, Sarah Jamison and Katie Zeff. The family extends their sincere gratitude to Nidia Perez and Amanda Willman for providing such wonderful care to Judge Zeff during the last year of his life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at Franklin & Downs McHenry Chapel. Donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356 or to the charity of choice. www.modbee.com/obituaries