Autopsy: Well-known Milwaukee attorney, community leader Marc Marotta died of brain aneurysm
MILWAUKEE (WITI) — Well-known Milwaukee attorney and community leader Marc Marotta died Wednesday, April 8th. According to the Medical Examiner's report, Marotta died as a result of a brain aneurysm.
52-year-old Marotta was pronounced dead at the Wisconsin Athletic Club on North Port Washington Road.
North Shore Fire Rescue officials say paramedics responded to the WAC just after 2:00 p.m. for a report of an individual found unresponsive in a vehicle. We’re told a North Shore Fire Rescue paramedic who was off-duty happened to be at the WAC and helped the on-duty crews, along with an off-duty Children’s Hospital doctor. Those crews attempted resuscitation before Marotta was transported to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Marotta was a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner in Milwaukee. According to his biography on the Foley website, Marotta also served as chairman of the board of the BMO Harris Bradley Center as well as on the boards of Summerfest (Milwaukee World Festival) and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.
“What you do in life the community for others is what you’re all about. You sort of do God’s work through what you do for others,” Marotta said.
Both personally and professionally, Marotta will be missed.
"I really enjoyed sitting with Marc, talking through tough issues and then just having a great time. It's a sad day for many, many people in Milwaukee. Let's remember him by following in his big footsteps and trying to replicate some of the things he brought to the table," Carl Mueller, president of Mueller Communications said.
Mueller says Marotta was an advocate for the city of Milwaukee's growth and development.
"He was a problem-solver who brought people together from very diverse backgrounds to work on solving the problem," Mueller said.
"I got to trust him and I got to respect him. Always very straightforward," Mark Kass, Editor of the Milwaukee Business Journal said.
As solutions are being sought in the effort to establish a new Milwaukee Bucks arena, Kass says Marotta's input would have been valued.
"A lot of people have told me over the last 24 hours that he was really behind-the-scenes on this deal -- trying to really have it happen, and there's gonna be a hole now," Kass said.
As for who will now fill that hole...
"The message should be: It's time for other people to step up and try to lead the same way Marc led. We can't replace him, but we can all try to be more positive and think about what Marc would do in this situation," Mueller said.
Marquette University issued this statement on Marotta's passing:
"The Marquette community is incredibly saddened to hear the news of Marc Marotta’s death. Beyond the thousands of people Marc touched on our Marquette campus, he was devoted to his family and we send our deepest condolences to them. Marc has left us far too soon, and he has left an enduring legacy both on our Marquette campus as well as across our community.
As a 1984 graduate of Marquette University, Marc was a member of our basketball team but was always most proud that he was a three-time academic All-American. He embodied the definition of a true student-athlete. Marc’s leadership stretched far beyond the court as he had a profound sense of civic responsibility on the region’s most important issues. While best known for his role as the chair of the board of the BMO Harris Bradley Center, Marc was always willing to quietly lend a hand to causes close to his heart. Marc will be dearly missed and we ask that the community keep his family and friends in their prayers."
Jay Rothman, chairman and CEO of Foley & Lardner LLP, released the following statement:
"As a lawyer, community leader, athlete, father and our partner, Marc Marotta impacted our community in immeasurable ways. Marc was an extraordinary lawyer with a gift for leadership. We are very proud of his contributions to the BMO Harris Bradley Center Board, our state government, and numerous other charities and community organizations.
As we grieve the loss of our friend and partner, we extend our most sincere condolences to Marc’s family."
Steve Costello, president and CEO of the BMO Harris Bradley Center issued the following statement regarding the passing of its board chairman and community volunteer Marc Marotta:
"On behalf of our entire board and all of our employees, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Marc's family and his many, many friends and colleagues. His sudden and sad passing has shocked us and taken him away much too soon. He was one of Milwaukee's great community leaders, and we will remember Marc as someone who was committed to Milwaukee and all of Wisconsin. He was a dedicated volunteer and an accomplished public servant, and he will be deeply missed.
I personally was fortunate to have had the incredible experience of working with and for him, and I was always impressed at his love of people and his keen intelligence. He was truly committed to the BMO Harris Bradley Center and was excited about helping the community look to the future and realize the dream of a new facility.
Marc will be sorely missed, and we extend our prayers to his family and friends as we join them in grieving this tragic loss."
Former Governor Jim Doyle issued this statement:
“I have lost a dear, dear friend.
I feel honored to have shared in some measure his joyful life. Everything he did in politics, business and his personal life was motivated by his selfless and caring nature.
As Secretary of Administration, even in tough economic times, he worked tirelessly to see that schools were funded, that kids received health care, that older people could stay in their homes, and much more.
He loved Milwaukee. He loved Wisconsin. He gave everything he had to make the world a better place. There is little happening in Milwaukee that Marc has not influenced for the better. And he did it all with his big personality, grace, humor and intelligence.
Jessica and I will miss our friend and are holding his family close to our hearts.”
The Milwaukee Bucks issued this statement:
"The entire Bucks family is shocked and saddened to learn of Marc Marotta’s passing. Marc was a fantastic friend and ally to the Bucks, but an even better person with a generous heart and an amazing spirit. His impact was felt throughout the Milwaukee community and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time."
Governor Scott Walker issued this statement:
"Marc Marotta was a class act. Even though our politics were not aligned, I always enjoyed working with him - first as County Executive and now as Governor. What a shock. Tonette and I send our prayers to Kim, their kids and the rest of his family."
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett issued this statement:
"On and off the court, Marc was a man of many talents and deeply committed to our Milwaukee community. I am grateful for his leadership and his willingness to be actively engaged as a true civic partner."
Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy issued this statement to FOX6 News:
"I have known Marc Marotta for nearly three decades, and I am deeply saddened that he has passed away, unexpectedly.
Marc was a great father, a brilliant lawyer, and a civically-engaged public servant who always worked toward the best interests of the people of Milwaukee and the State of Wisconsin.
His passing represents a great loss to our city and to the community. I offer my sincere condolences to his family."
