José A. Olivieri

José A. Olivieri, an accomplished attorney and devoted civic leader, died on June 9th from cancer. José was a pillar of the Hispanic community and an esteemed Managing Partner at the law firm Michael Best and Friedrich, where he worked for over forty years. He was also a most loving husband and father and a doting grandfather. He is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years, Jeanne; their three children Elisa (Alex), Lucas (Jenna), and Elena; and three beloved grandchildren, Maya, Alejandro, and Roman.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, José spent part of his childhood in New York City before returning to middle and high school in San Juan. He left Puerto Rico to attend Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he met Jeanne (née Nikolai). The two were married in 1978, and they made a home, a family, and a legacy in Milwaukee.

José graduated from Carroll in 1978, and received his juris doctorate from Marquette University Law School in 1981. He joined Michael Best as an associate later that same year. Throughout his tenure at the firm, he served in roles including managing partner of the Milwaukee office, head of the Labor & Employment practice group, and head of the Higher Education practice group. More information about José’s career with Michael Best can be found here.

José was a deeply curious person, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge. He was a voracious reader and rarely went anywhere without a book. You could find him annotating volumes on philosophy, politics, and economics while on an elliptical at the gym, at the theater before the start of a movie, or at commercial breaks during Bucks and Packers games. He took every opportunity to learn. He also showed great interest in the education of his children, requesting their class syllabi so that he could read along with them.

José was not just passionate about ideas — he was also intensely interested in learning about people. In conversation, he was far more likely to ask questions of others than to talk about himself, because he wanted to try and understand other people’s thoughts and perspectives. He had a knack for drawing people out and making them feel known and interesting. He made a conscious choice to look for the best in others, and he wanted people to have the opportunity to be the best versions of themselves.

José’s desire to understand and help people reach their full potential was essential to his civic leadership. He was passionate about community building and providing access to critical resources that open doors to better opportunities and personal advancement–especially education. His work with organizations like the United Community Center were part of that drive to give everyone the resources to be their best selves.

He was a dedicated servant to the Milwaukee community at large, and the Hispanic community in particular. He served on the boards of the United Community Center, Froedtert Health, University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, Lutheran Social Services, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Mount Mary University, Carroll University, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Libraries Foundation, First Federal Bank of Wisconsin, United Way of Greater Milwaukee, and many more.

Despite these impressive accomplishments, Jose was extremely humble; his children often found out about awards and honors through teachers and friends. “Why didn’t you tell us about that award!” was a common refrain among his children.

Beyond his vast civic legacy, his children will remember him for his humor and how devoted he was to the people he loved. José delighted in being a dad and a grandfather. He showed up for countless sports games, helped with homework, and often served as chauffeur for what he called the family’s “boys and girls and gifted animals.” He was a sound advisor and an attentive listener. He was a willing playmate no matter how silly the game or how cramped the pillow fort.

José was an incredibly joyful person whose positive attitude and humor permeated every interaction. His instinct was always to try and uplift others, rather than to promote himself. He will be remembered for his devotion to family and community, and for the myriad ways in which he made the world around him a better place.

Visitation:
Saturday, July 20, 2024
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
United Community Center
1028 S. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53224

Please use UCC Bruce Guadalupe Community Elementary School Blue Doors for entry. If street parking is not available, a UCC lot is located on W. Washington Street across from the Walter Sava Learning Center. See map.

Service:
Saturday, July 20, 2024
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
United Community Center
1028 S. 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53224

Memorial Donations: In lieu of flowers, donations in José’s honor can be made to the United Community Center at this link.