Hundreds gather for Ald. Jonathan Brostoff’s funeral service

MILWAUKEE – Hundreds of people gathered to honor Milwaukee Councilman Jonathan Brostoff as he was laid to rest.

Brostoff was known as a passionate public servant. His funeral service was held at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the former synagogue that was the center of many of the greatest moments of his life, including his bar mitzvah and wedding reception.

Brostoff died by suicide on Monday. He was found in a West Allis park.

“Jonathan didn’t just walk through life. He made an impact every step of the way. He believed deeply in justice, equality and basic goodness in every person,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in his remarks.

From serving in the state legislature to playing basketball, Crowley said Brostoff was one of his best friends. He talked about how Brostoff always showed up for him, even helping him move.

Personal stories about Brostoff provided moments of laughter and underlined his gift for talking to everyone. In one instance, Brostoff started talking to a person who tried to carjack him and ended up driving that person home.

Brostoff’s wife, Diana Vang-Brostoff, described him as one of the best people who gave her four beautiful children. She spoke briefly about his struggles with mental health and encouraged everyone to be kind and careful with their words.

Watch: Hundreds Rally for Ald. Jonathan Brostoff’s funeral service

Hundreds gather for Ald. Jonathan Brostoff’s funeral service

“These last 18 months have been very difficult for us. We have been completely isolated. It has been terrible. Jonathan felt so alone at the end of his life. I see all these people in this room and I am devastated .” It’s just unbelievable,” Vang-Brostoff said through tears.

Vang-Brostoff asked others to help their children remember their father.

From a young age, Brostoff was always interested in learning, making connections and helping others. He was a true advocate who believed in unity.

Councilor Marina Dmitrijevic tells TMJ4 they were close and their colleagues at City Hall made a private tribute to him.

“When we had disagreements between colleagues here, which is normal, he would always say, ‘Well, we need to get back together. We need to talk it out.’ He really wanted us to work together to become one,” Dmitrijevic recalls.

“I thought Jonathan was my best friend, but I discovered that another 2,000 people felt the same way,” Rabbi Levi Stein told TMJ4.

Rabbi Stein described Brostoff as a truly good person. He and others are encouraging everyone to look out for each other, just like Brostoff did.

“Reach out to your loved ones. Reach out to people you care about because you don’t know what they’re going through.”

Brostoff was found Monday in a Milwaukee County park. Authorities say he died by suicide.

The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, along with dozens of supporters, will hold 41 Safetalk suicide prevention trainings in Brostoff’s memory, as a way to continue his legacy of helping others.

The first will be on November 21 at the Kelly Senior Center in Cudahy.

Visit this link for more information.

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