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Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, dies at 60
Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, dies at 60
Joe Bartolotta
MILWAUKEE -- Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of The Bartolotta Restaurants, died on Monday night, April 22 at the age of 60. Bartolotta wasn't just an exceptional chef -- but also an impressive philanthropist, a great humanitarian and an accomplished restauranteur.
A news release from the Bartolotta group stated he "passed away peacefully in his sleep with a smile on his face." The release also said "Joe is beloved by the Milwaukee community for his hospitality, heart, generosity and love of all."
Those who knew Bartolotta said he loved to be around good company and delicious food.
Dane Baldwin
"His touch on Milwaukee, not just from a dining standpoint, is immeasurable," said Dane Baldwin, owner of The Diplomat and a protegé of Bartolotta. "I always knew that I could ask Joe a question, no matter what. I didn't have to hide behind anything."
Having spent years working for and alongside Bartolotta, Baldwin said the loss of his friend is painful.
"The news received today is definitely stunning," Baldwin said. "We lost a visionary. We lost someone that has touched so many different careers along the way."
Joe Bartolotta
Those who admired Joe Bartolotta had much to say about him.
Justin Aprahamian
"When we speak of family, for us, he's part of our family," said Justin Aprahamian, owner of Sanford Restaurant.
Aprahamian said Bartolotta always went out of his way to make new friends.
"He'd kind of mosey through and he'd make sure that he stopped and talked to everybody along the way," Aprahamian said.
Joe Bartolotta, a man who made a name for himself through cooking and restaurants, was being remembered as a man who had a genuine passion for finding happiness with good company.
Reaction from prominent names in the community
Kyle Cherek, Food Historian and Host of Wisconsin Foodie
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton
Greg Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation
Dr. Vicki J. Martin, Milwaukee Area Technical College president