Attorney Jose Olivieri, 'pillar of Hispanic community,' dies at 66 (2024)

José A. Olivieri, an attorney and pivotal figure of the Hispanic community, died of cancer Sunday at the age of 66.

Olivieri was a lawyer at Michael Best & Friedrich, with a specialty in immigration law, employment relations and higher education. Although he was an attorney at the firm for more than 40 years, he is best remembered for his work in Milwaukee's Hispanic community.

Olivieri's involvement with the United Community Center in Walker's Point spanned four decades.

Laura Gutiérrez, CEO of the UCC, said Olivieri was committed to the organization. They met when he was Chairman of the Board of the Directors, a role he held for two decades.

"Education was the pathway out of poverty into opportunity, and he was a big advocate of quality education," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez said Olivieri was always advocating for access to pre-college programs, ACT prep work, and opportunities like internships and study abroad.

A humble, 'down to earth' leader

"He was a quiet leader, very humble. Never wanting the attention," Gutierrez said.

The general consensus is that he was a very down-to-earth person. Olivieri's daughter Elena explained that the family would often learn about his accomplishments secondhand through teachers and friends.

“‘Why didn’t you tell us about this award!’ was a common refrain in our household” says Elena.

Longtime friend Ricardo Diaz, a former head of UCC, remembered meeting Olivieri at La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha 30 years ago, where the two worked together. He recalls him as "inquisitive, always asking the right questions."

Diaz said Olivieri was "a visionary whose passion for service and the Latino community knew no bounds."

"His service to others was his hallmark, and he was the premier Hispanic leader for the past 25 years in Milwaukee. He lived by example." said Diaz, adding that improving education and elderly care were passions for Olivieri.

When asked what memory of Olivieri makes him smile, Diaz said, "His laugh was so affectionate. Also, his love for dominoes and Puerto Rican food."

A graduate of Carroll and Marquette Law School

Originally from Puerto Rico, Olivieri graduated from Carroll University in 1978. He went on to attend Marquette Law School, graduating in 1981.

To the world, Olivieri was a successful attorney and active member of the community. His awards and accolades are numerous, as was his participation with many organizations. To his family, he was so much more.

“We will always remember him for his humor and how devoted he was to the people he loved. … He was a sound advisor and an attentive listener. As kids, he was our willing playmate no matter how silly the game or how cramped the pillow fort,” Elena said.

This dedication extended into his professional life. Olivieri cared deeply about the community and according to Elena, “wanted people to have the opportunity to be the best versions of themselves.”

City leaders, Hispanic community remember Olivieri

Olivieri’s death caused an outpouring of love and support from the business and Hispanic communities.

Héctor Colón, President of the Lutheran Social Services (LSS), has known Olivieri since he was nine years old. They began working together when Colón became executive director at UCC, and Olivieri has always been like a mentor to him.

In addition to his outstanding legal abilities, Colón also admired Olivieri’s work ethic.

“He became the board chair of LSS with this condition, knowing that he had three to five years of life,” Colón said. “Just that commitment until LSS at the end of his life knowing that he didn't have much time to live, I will never forget that.”

Common Council President Jose Perez and Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa put out a joint statement saying:

“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.”

The statement went on to say:

“José 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.”

Darryl Morin, president of Forward Latino, a non-profit organization advocating for Hispanics nationwide, said Olivieri was “a giant in Wisconsin’s Latino community.”

“José served as a mentor for many in the Hispanic community providing sound guidance and support to all,” Morin said, noting that he also served on the boards of Carroll University, the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation, and Milwaukee Art Museum.

“From his many contributions directly into the Hispanic community, to the many bridges he built between communities, he forever changed Milwaukee for the better. Many aspire to leave the world a better place. José did and that is his gift to us, his legacy.”

Olivieri used his background with the Hispanic community and his legal background to start Michael Best’s immigration law practice and was a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.

On the Michael Best website, the firm posted:

“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.”

The firm called Olivieri “a pillar in the Hispanic community.”

“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,” the statement said. “A once-in-a-generation man, José had the ability to effect change within our organization, industry, and community.”

Olivieri is survived by his wife, Jeanne, children Elisa, Lucas, and Elena, and grandchildren Maya, Alejandro, and Roman.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. July 20 at the United Community Center. Visitation is from 1-4 p.m. followed by a service at 4 p.m.

Editor's note, June 12, 2024: This story has been updated to clarify Olivieri's involvement in UCC.