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

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

Brostoff committed suicide Monday. He was found in a park in West Allis.

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

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

The personal stories about Brostoff provided laugh-out-loud moments and demonstrated his gift for talking to anyone. In one case, Brostoff began talking to a person who had tried to hack him and eventually drove that individual home.

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

Watch: Hundreds Rally for Ald. Funeral of Jonathan Brostoff

Hundreds rally for Ald. Funeral of Jonathan Brostoff

“It’s been a really hard last 18 months for us. We’ve been completely isolated. It’s been horrible. Jonathan felt so alone at the end of his life. I see all these people in this room and I’m devastated “It’s just incredible,” 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, connecting and helping others. He was a true defender who believed in unity.

Alderman Marina Dmitrijevic tells TMJ4 they were close and their colleagues at city hall paid him a private tribute.

“When we had disagreements here among colleagues, which is natural, he would always say, ‘Well, we need to get back together. We need to talk about it.’ He really wanted us to work together to be united,” Dmitrijevic recalls.

“I thought Jonathan was my best friend, but I found out 2,000 other people thought the same thing,” Rabbi Levi Stein told TMJ4.

Rabbi Stein described Brostoff as a genuinely good person. He and others encourage everyone to take care of each other, just like Brostoff did.

“Check in with your loved ones. Check in with the people you care about because you don’t know what they’re going through.”

Brostoff was found in a Milwaukee County park Monday. Authorities said he committed suicide.

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

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

Visit this link for more information.

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