Laughter & tears at Celebration of Life for restaurant owner Joe Bartolotta

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- People from across the Milwaukee area came out to remember Joe Bartolotta, co-owner of Bartolotta Restaurants.

Bartolotta died Tuesday in his sleep at the age of 60.

Family, friend and loved ones paid their final respects at The Riverside Theater. The venue, which has a capacity of 2,500 was packed with people. Current and former employees were also in attendance.

The funeral service was live streamed on the Bartolotta Restaurants' Facebook page.

Family members shared their fondest memories, including his daughters and brother, Paul Bartolotta. 

Mayor Tom Barrett said Bartolotta played a big role in getting the Democratic National Convention awarded to Milwaukee.

He was also influential to Milwaukee’s Italian community.

The family is asking people to share their memories of Bartolotta, here: https://www.bartolottas.com/myjoestory