Alderman Jonathan Brostoff, a dedicated public servant and steadfast advocate for Milwaukee, passed away on November 4, 2024, at the age of 41.
Born on September 25, 1983, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alderman Brostoff’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to social justice, community engagement, and public service.
“Jonathan brought a unique energy to his work at City Hall. His passion and dedication were evident every day. No elected official brought more enthusiasm to their work than Jonathan. He was a husband, a father, a son, and, to me, a close friend. My thoughts and sympathy go out to his family and friends at this difficult time,” said Mayor Cavalier Johnson in a statement.
Alderman Brostoff’s early years were deeply influenced by his parents, Alan and Phyllis Alderman Brostoff. Alan, a retired attorney, mediator, and arbitrator, and Phyllis, a social worker and co-founder of a managed home care provider for the elderly and disabled, instilled in him the values of service and compassion. Those principles guided Alderman Brostoff throughout his life.
“Jonathan was a loving father and husband, and greeted everyone he met with empathy and kindness. He was also a passionate advocate for the betterment of our community, and dedicated his professional life to the people he represented. It was an honor to have served in office with him, and he will be missed,” said Milwaukee Common Council Members in a statement which included José G. Pérez, Andrea M. Pratt, Mark Chambers, Jr., Robert J. Bauman, Lamont Westmoreland, Milele A. Coggs, DiAndre Jackson, JoCasta Zamarripa, Larresa Taylor, Sharlen P. Moore, Peter Burgelis, Scott Spiker, Marina Dimitrijevic, and Russell W. Stamper II.
At the age of 14, Alderman Brostoff began volunteering at Pathfinders, a youth shelter in Milwaukee, demonstrating an early dedication to supporting vulnerable populations. That commitment continued through his involvement with AmeriCorps, where he worked at Milwaukee’s Family Support Center, providing essential services to homeless families.
“Today, Milwaukee County lost a beloved leader, partner, and dear friend. I am devastated by the passing of Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. He was a hard worker, a fierce advocate, a loving husband and father, and a positive influence on everyone who knew him,” said County Executive David Crowley in a statement. “Our friendship goes back to our days of community organizing, where we discovered our shared passion for improving Milwaukee County. From there, Jonathan and I worked our way up, eventually serving together in the Wisconsin State Legislature. Every day, we walked through the halls of the State Capitol to support working families, build healthier communities, and foster a brighter future for our children. After our time in Madison, Jonathan was elected to the Milwaukee Common Council, where he continued working on behalf of the people. Jonathan never lost sight of why he ran for office: To make a difference in the lives of all Milwaukeeans.”
County Executive Crowley said that Alderman Brostoff consistently brought new ideas, contagious energy, and endless optimism to every room he entered.
“When he saw an opportunity to benefit his constituents, he seized it. When he saw a challenge to overcome, he worked with others to address it. Throughout the years, Jonathan and I remained close friends and colleagues,” County Executive Crowley added. “We should all learn from Jonathan’s leadership, compassion, and genuine love for those around him.”
His passion for community service expanded during his time at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), where he majored in political science. While at UWM, Alderman Brostoff served as co-president of the Campus Organization for Israel and participated in the United Nations Summer Seminar program, reflecting his broad interest in global and local issues.
Alderman Brostoff’s political career began as a legislative aide to Milwaukee County Supervisor Jason Haas and later as District Director for State Senator Chris Larson. In 2014, he was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 19th district.
“Jonathan’s passing is a tragedy to all who knew him and for the many whose lives have been bettered because of his service and advocacy. As a legislator, Jonathan was always eager to seek the good in others, always working in earnest to bridge divides and bring people together of different backgrounds and perspectives,” said Governor Tony Evers in a statement.
The Governor noted that during his tenure, he was known for his advocacy on behalf of individuals with disabilities, efforts to address homelessness, and initiatives to improve mental health services. His legislative work was characterized by a deep empathy for marginalized communities and a relentless pursuit of equity and justice.
In November 2022, Alderman Brostoff was elected to serve Milwaukee’s 3rd District as a member of the Common Council, succeeding Nik Kovac. His tenure as alderman was marked by a focus on community engagement, transparency in governance, and policies aimed at improving the quality of life for all Milwaukee residents. He was particularly passionate about fostering inclusive communities and worked tirelessly to ensure that all voices were heard in the decision-making processes.
Beyond his official roles, Alderman Brostoff was deeply involved in various community organizations. He volunteered weekly at Pathfinders and the Maryland Avenue Montessori School, maintained close ties with Dryhootch, a veteran-focused nonprofit, and was an active alumnus of Milwaukee’s Public Allies program.
His hands-on approach to community service exemplified his belief in the power of grassroots engagement and the importance of being present and active in one’s community.
“Our members in Milwaukee and across the state mourn the passing of a truly honorable man, Milwaukee Alderman Jonathan Brostoff. Jonathan’s special gift was the empathy and compassion he had for others, gifts that were an extension of his deeply held Jewish faith,” said Darryl Morin, National President of Forward Latino in a statement. “Our condolences and prayers go out to his family. We hope they find comfort in knowing the positive impact he had on so many lives. May his memory be a blessing.”
Alderman Brostoff is survived by his wife, Diana Vang-Brostoff, whom he met at UWM. Diana is a clinical social worker at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. Together, they have three sons and a daughter. Alderman Brostoff’s family was a source of immense pride and joy, and he often spoke of them as his greatest inspiration.
The passing of Alderman Brostoff is a profound loss for Milwaukee, as highlighted in the outpouring of feelings and memories across social media. His legacy of compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him and the many whose lives he touched through his service.
As Alderman Brostoff is remembered, Milwaukee honors a life devoted to the betterment of others and a vision of a more inclusive and equitable community.
© Photo
Lee Matz
