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Milwaukee Activist and Political Leader Marc Marotta Dies at 52 PDF Print E-mail
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Written by GBP Staff   
Thursday, 09 April 2015 12:00

Marc MarottaMILWAUKEE - Marc J. Marotta, a college basketball star, community activist and political leader, died unexpectedly Wednesday. He was 52.

Marotta died of an apparent heart attack. He was found unresponsive in his car outside the Wisconsin Athletic Club in Glendale.

Marc Marotta was a partner and business lawyer with Foley & Lardner and chairman of the BMO Harris Bradley Center board. He also served on the boards of Summerfest, Milwaukee World Festival, and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.

A longtime confidant and friend of Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle, Marotta was secretary of the Department of Administration in Doyle's administration from January 2003 to October 2005. He also acted as an adviser to other Democratic politicians, including Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele.

In a statement released Wednesday, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Mike Tate said about Marc Marotta:

"Wisconsin lost a giant today. On the basketball court, as an attorney, as Secretary at the Department of Administration, as a civic leader and as a father, Marc Marotta was larger than life in everything he did. Marc was a passionate Democrat who helped candidates and causes and never forgot those that society had left behind. He walked in the corridors of power and influence but used that influence to help people in need. Whether in his work with the Bradley Center, at the Boys and Girls Club, or helping to raise money for good candidates and causes, Marc brought passion and determination to everything he did. Marc was the go-to guy when you were in a jam or needed a barrier lifted that only he could move. He was kind and caring; anyone that knew Marc will not soon forget his sense of humor, his indefatigable optimism, and the enthusiasm he brought to all he did.

"Our hearts are heavy today. Marc made people's lives better. His death creates a huge hole in our community. There wasn't a day that went by that Marc's work didn't touch some aspect of so many people's lives. Whether helping a business relocate good paying jobs to Wisconsin, through his work with the Boys and Girls Club, or him always going the extra mile to make sure good candidates for office had resources to compete, Marc left his giant handprints on many of the biggest accomplishments Wisconsin has seen in the last twenty years in business, government, and philanthropic causes. We are decidedly less than without him here to lead us forward.

"Marc was someone that everyone wanted to be around; his zest and passion for life was an inspiration to many. He will be missed. On behalf of the entire Democratic Party of Wisconsin family we offer our sincere condolences to his family and the lives of those he touched."

Last Updated on Thursday, 09 April 2015 12:22
 
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