Attorney and co-founder of the United Community Center José A. Olivieri died Sunday of cancer at the age of 66.
Olivieri was a lawyer at Michael Best & Friedrich, with a specialty in immigration law, labor 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 Spanish-speaking community.
Olivieri’s involvement as co-founder of the United Community Center in Walker’s Point spanned four decades, beginning with its founding.
Laura Gutiérrez, CEO of the UCC, said Olivieri was involved in the organization. They met when he was chairman of the board, a position he held for 20 years.
“Education was the path out of poverty to opportunity, and he was a strong advocate of quality education,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said he always advocated for access to pre-college programs, ACT prep work and opportunities like internships and study abroad.
“He was a quiet leader, very humble. He never wanted attention,” Gutierrez said.
Longtime friend Ricardo Diaz, former head of UCC and city official, recalled meeting Olivieri 30 years ago at La Casa de Esperanza in Waukesha, where the two worked together. He remembers him as “curious and 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 foremost Hispanic leader in Milwaukee for the past 25 years. He lived by example.” Diaz said, adding that improving education and elder care were passions for Olivieri.
When asked what memory of Olivieri makes him smile, Diaz said, “His smile was so affectionate. Also his love for dominoes and Puerto Rican food.”
Olivieri, originally from Puerto Rico, graduated from Carroll University in 1978. He then attended Marquette Law School, graduating in 1981.
City leaders and Hispanic community commemorate Olivieri
Olivieri’s death sparked an outpouring of love and support from the business community and the Hispanic community.
Common Council President Jose Perez and Ald. JoCasta Zamarripa issued a joint statement saying:
“José was a tough, effective and selfless leader in Milwaukee in many areas, including 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 of education, creating pathways to success for students.”
The statement went on to say:
“José played a key role in founding the United Community Center on Milwaukee’s south side and served on the UCC board for four decades, including a stint as board chairman. It is difficult to quantify how transformative and uplifting the UCC has been for the South Side community – and especially for children. A lot of that can be attributed to José’s work.”
Darryl Morrin, president of Forward Latino, a nonprofit that advocates for Hispanics nationally, said Olivieri “was a giant in the Latino community in Wisconsin.”
“José was a mentor to many in the Hispanic community and provided great guidance and support to all,” Morin said, noting he also served on the boards of Carroll University, the Milwaukee Public Library Foundation and the Milwaukee Art Museum.
“From his many contributions directly to the Hispanic community to the many bridges he built between communities, he forever changed Milwaukee for the better. Many strive to leave the world a better place. José did that and that is his gift to us, his legacy.”
Olivieri used his background in the Hispanic community and his legal background to start Michel Best’s immigration law practice. He was a founding member and past president of the Wisconsin Hispanic Lawyers Association.
On the Michael Best website, the company posted:
“Over his 43 years with the company, José has forged his voice and impact. He was the company’s longest-serving chairman and led the company’s Higher Education Industry Group with unparalleled expertise, advising colleges and universities through challenges decade after decade with grace and acuity.”
The company called Olivieri “a mainstay in the Spanish-speaking 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. “José, a once-in-a-generation man, had the ability to create 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 planned for July 20 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the United Community Center. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, followed by a service at 5:00 PM.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Obituary: Attorney Jose Olivieri helped found United Community Center
