For many, retirement marks a significant transition from a structured work life to a period of greater personal freedom. It represents a reward for years of effort, responsibility, and routine. Retirement offers time to pursue hobbies, travel, volunteer, or simply rest and reflect. It can also strengthen relationships, allowing people to reconnect with family and friends without the pressure of deadlines. Retirement is not an end…but a new beginning.
The Honorable Louis M. “Lou” Dayich, the retiring President Judge of Greene County, has sat on the bench for the last time in his long and distinguished career. Judge Dayich chose not to seek retention. His decision closes a career that spanned more than 25 years across different roles in the Greene County judiciary system.
As President Judge of Greene County, Judge Dayich presided over the Court of Common Pleas in the 13th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which includes Greene County.
As President Judge, Dayich adjudicated cases but also oversaw court administration, assigned cases, supervised court personnel, and ensured the efficient functioning of the judicial process within the county. The President Judge is typically the most senior or elected leader among the county’s Common Pleas judges.
President Judge Dayich states, “I really love the law, I love the fact that there are laws and that there are common sense approaches on how to apply the law”.
Dayich’s legal career spans several decades with deep roots in the local system. He earned his undergraduate degree from Washington & Jefferson College and later obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh, preparing him for a multifaceted career in law and public service.
While attending law school, he began selling hotdogs from the back of a bright yellow ‘49 Chevy truck for extra cash on the streets near the Pitt campus. His business slogan was, “Sweet Lou’s Hotdogs…if it’s not the best you’ve had…you’ve had better.”
After his graduation, he secured a storefront on High Street in Waynesburg and ran his law office out of the back of Sweet Lou’s Hotdog shop, managing both operations simultaneously for a period.
He began his professional journey as a public defender in Greene County in 1988. After several years in that role, Dayich transitioned to private practice as a trial attorney from 1991 to 1999, broadening his expertise in civil and criminal matters.
Dayich was then elected as a Magisterial District Judge, taking office in January 2000. It was a role that provided him with substantial experience in presiding over court proceedings and serving the community at the grassroots level. In November of 2015, he was elected to the Greene County Court of Common Pleas.
In 2020, Dayich was elevated to the role of President Judge, recognizing his experience, leadership qualities, and commitment to the judicial process. As President Judge, he has managed the court’s administrative duties, coordinated judicial assignments, and worked to uphold the rule of law within Greene County.
In retirement, Judge Dayich plans on spending time focusing on some of his many hobbies such as doing amateur carpentry work, operating his ham radio, and traveling. He and his wife Tammy recently purchased a vintage “high-top” camper and plan to travel and explore the western states.
Judge Jeff Grimes has been elevated to the position of President Judge. He is a lifelong Greene County resident, graduated from West Greene High School and California University of Pennsylvania, and earned his law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1998.
Filling the vacancy left with the elevation of Judge Grimes will be the newly elected Common Pleas judge, the honorable Chris Simms, an attorney and lifelong Greene County resident. He graduated from West Greene High School and Washington & Jefferson College, and he earned his law degree from Duquesne University.
