Zeff A. Weiss

1957 - 2014

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - Zeff Alan Weiss, beloved and dedicated family man, accomplished attorney, active community leader, and friend to many, died peacefully with his family at his side on Nov. 17, 2014, at the age of 57 after a heroic battle with brain cancer. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, on Feb. 13, 1957, to Martin Weiss and Anne (Steinberg) Weiss. Zeff learned his entrepreneurial spirit during his formative years at his father's delicatessen.
He graduated from Indiana University in 1979 with a bachelor of science degree in business and accounting. He obtained his CPA in 1980 and practiced as an accountant with Price Waterhouse in Boca Raton, Florida. In 1983, he graduated from Indiana University Law School in Bloomington. Zeff spent his professional career at the law firm of Ice Miller LLP concentrating his practice in real estate and helping clients develop, negotiate and structure some of the nation's most complicated transactions.
The Indianapolis skyline has grown because of his involvement in a multitude of significant and high profile projects. He served for years as the chair of the firm's Real Estate Group, mentored and trained generations of lawyers and led the legal team on the City's biggest projects on behalf of his many clients. Zeff was elected by his peers to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, the International Who's Who of Real Estate Lawyers, Indiana Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America, where he was named Indianapolis Real Estate Lawyer of the Year in 2010 and again in 2013. Zeff served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Inc., where he served as Campaign Co-chair in 2011 and 2012 and as president-elect in 2014. He also served as past president and board member of Park Regency and as a board member of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Among his many honors, Zeff received a Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Pence.
Zeff is survived by his wife, Zoe Urena Weiss; children, Miranda (Olivier) Bernadac, Reva, Alexandra and Martin Weiss; brother, Dr. Sheldon (Debra) Weiss; sister, Lynn (Danny) Castor; and father-in-law, Alphonse Urena. He is preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert Weiss.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at Beth-El Zedeck, 600 West 70th Street. Interment will follow at Beth-El Zedeck Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis Inc. or The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.