Joe Bartolotta of Bartolotta Restaurants, Dies At 60

WAUWATOSA, WI -- Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of the Bartolotta Restaurants, died Monday night in his sleep, family says. He was 60 years old. Information released by the family Tuesday did not specify a cause of death.

Joe Bartolotta started the restaurant group with his brother Paul with their first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta in 1993 in Wauwatosa. Today, the Bartolotta group runs 15 restaurants and catering facilities.

According to a Milwaukee Business Journal report, Bartolotta spoke with the publication six year ago shortly after he received a kidney transplant, saying he had stayed quiet for decades about having juvenile diabetes.

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele issued the following statement:

“Joe Bartolotta changed Milwaukee’s restaurant scene forever, and played a leading role in elevating us to the culinary destination we are today. He will be remembered for his heart and hospitality, abiding commitment to the Milwaukee area and generous philanthropy. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bartolotta family, friends, fans and all who are mourning his loss.”

According to the Bartolotta Restaurants website: “Joe Bartolotta grew up in Wauwatosa and spent time working in restaurants in New York before returning to his hometown. He opened his first restaurant, Ristorante Bartolotta, with his brother Paul in the village of Wauwatosa in 1993. Garnering a four-star review by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel soon after opening, Ristorante Bartolotta has consistently been rated the best Italian restaurant in Milwaukee and has received a DiRoNA Award from Distinguished Restaurants of North America.”