66-year-old Attorney José A. Olivieri, A Senior Partner At Michael Best & Friedrich LLC And A Catalyst In The Milwaukee Puerto Rican Community Passed Away

Olivieri was well known in the Milwaukee Latino community for his years of dedication to make Milwaukee a better place to live for Latinos including the local Puerto Rican community.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

June 12, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, the firm of Michael Best & Friedrich LLC announced the passing of Attorney José A. Olivieri, 66, on Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Milwaukee. He lost the battle against cancer. The Michael Best & Friedrich LLC released the following statement in his honor and memory, "With great sorrow, we bid farewell to José A. Olivieri, a beacon of wisdom, guidance, and perseverance in the legal community. José, a Partner at Michael Best, was not only a distinguished lawyer but also a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend."

"In the span of his 43 years with the firm, José forged his voice and impact. The firm's longest serving chair, he led the firm's Higher Education Industry Group with unmatched expertise, counseling colleges and universities through challenges decade after decade, with grace and acumen. His contributions to employment and immigration law were also immense, founding Michael Best's immigration law practice and shaping it with his deep knowledge and experience. His leadership roles also extended to the Milwaukee Office Managing Partner and Labor & Employment Relations Chair roles.

"Beyond legal, José was a man of the community. His held leadership positions in numerous organizations, including United Community Center— serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for over 20 years, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, Milwaukee Art Museum, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, Lutheran Social Services, and Froedtert Health System boards.

"A pillar in the Hispanic community, José was a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association and had served on several additional boards over the years, including the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, the Mount Mary University Board of Trustees, past Chair of Carroll University's Board of Trustees, and National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).

"His accolades were many, reflecting his commitment to excellence and service. José was a recipient of the Notable Alumni Award by BizTimes Media, honored with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation's President's Leadership in Racial Equity and Social Justice Award, and named a Top Latino Lawyer by Latino Leaders magazine. He was consistently included on the prestigious Best Lawyers, including Lawyer of the Year twice, and Chambers lists—evidence of his impact by peers and clients.

"José's legacy is not just in the cases he won or the policies he shaped; it is in the lives he touched, the young professionals he inspired, and the community he helped build. But more than his career, José was a husband, father, grandfather, and son. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit—and infectious laugh—will continue to guide us.

"A once-in-a-generation man, José had the ability to effect change within our organization, industry, and community. We extend our deepest condolences to José's family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. May his memory be a reminder of strength, inspiration, and happiness to us all."

Milwaukee Alderpersons, José G. Pérez,  President of the Milwaukee Common Council and JoCasta Zamarripa in a joint statement also announced the passing of Attorney Olivieri.

"It is with heavy hearts that we remember José Olivieri, an amazing leader and mentor to many who made a significant positive impact on Milwaukee, and on us.  José, a gifted lawyer who was a senior partner at Michael Best, passed on Sunday (June 9) from cancer at the age of 66." 

"José was a tough, effective, and selfless leader in Milwaukee in many realms, including in Hispanic affairs and specifically the Puerto Rican community. He was a pillar of the community who embraced his role as a civic leader and as a champion for education and creating pathways to success for students. 

"José played a key role in the founding of the United Community Center on Milwaukee's near south side, and served on the UCC's board for four decades, including time as board president. It is hard to quantify just how transformational and uplifting the UCC has been for the near south side community – and especially for kids. Much of that can be attributed to José's work. 

"Our prayers of comfort and condolences go out to the family and friends of José Olivieri."

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA)

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