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Henry Piano Obituary
Milwaukee - Entered Eternal Life October 25, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 86. Loving and dedicated husband of Joanne (nee Destefano) for 62 years. Proud and devoted father of Nicholas (Jackie Meier) and Angel (Mark) Hessel. Henry's grandchildren Alessandra Piano (Samuel Washburn) and Henry, Harrison, and Mia Hessel were the center of his world. One day prior to entering into eternal life, Henry was able to witness his granddaughter Alessandra's wedding vows in his home with his beautiful family and Fr. Timothy Kitzke surrounding him. He is also survived by his cherished nieces and nephews and many lifelong friendships.
Henry's story truly exemplifies the American Dream. His parents Nick and Angela immigrated to the United States in 1907, and he could not have been more proud of his humble beginnings and his Italian heritage. Carrying a briefcase to kindergarten, Henry fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer. He graduated from Marquette Law School in 1957 and was still practicing law and working 50+ hours per week, six weeks prior to his death.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 30th at OLD ST. MARY CATHOLIC PARISH, 844 N. Broadway, Milwaukee at 10:00 AM. Masks are required along with social distancing. Private family burial at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Piano
Sponsored by Harder Funeral Home - Brookfield.
Jackie Gacek
October 21, 2023
Henry was a wonderful, caring man and a sharp lawyer. I will never forget him and how he comforted me, while advising me, during a really hard time in my life. I don't think I could have done as well with any other attorney. My deepest sympathy to his family, who meant so much to him. A great family man. A great human being. You must all miss him terribly. May your happy memories of Mr. Piano sustain you and ease your pain. Sincerely, Jackie (Werner) Gacek, Rye Beach, NH
Rick Knetzger
October 21, 2023
It all began at 611 N. Broadway. I worked at Lawyers Title, Henry's office was on the 3rd floor. He used our services for his real estate transactions. A few years later he came down to our office in his Festa Italiana regalia, and suggested we have our customer party on the grounds. It was always a booming success. In additions he was a master story teller, as to his barrister activities and those about his family. I have had many attorney clients, but he will always , in my opinion, be number 1. Not only a gentleman but a first class individual.
Richard Knetzger
October 21, 2022
His knowledge of real estate transactions was beyond the nth degree. His acumen of providing his clients with the very best legalize was superior to any of the other attorneys I serviced.
Tina Kaiser
December 19, 2020
Heard the news today. I am very sad. Henry took my divorce case in 2009. He fought hard for me until about 2018. I grew to love that man. He was like a father to me and loved to call me kiddo. He loved to show me all his binders on my case. Henry was fierce. when fighting for me. I am a better person because of him. Please accept my sincere sympathy and know he is watching over all of us. Now he can finally smoke his cigars instead of having an unlit one. There will never be another Henry
Mickey ALVARADO Heron
November 30, 2020
My Condolences to you Aunt Joane and family i am so sorry to hear of this. I have so many memories of the good old days of our families spending time together. May you find peace at this most difficult time in all the BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES you all shared together. GOD BLESS you all. Love Mickey
Jacqueline A. Gacek
October 31, 2020
Mr. Piano was a Godsend to me many years ago. He was kind, caring, and so smart. He helped to ease the pain of a very long, drawn out divorce, for which I shall never forget. He wasn't just a great attorney, he treated clients with kindness, assuring and instilling confidence that all would be okay. He was the bright light at the end of the tunnel for me. My very deepest sympathy to his family for their loss. May he rest in peace. Jackie (Werner) Gacek, Rye Beach, NH (client in 1976)
Kevin Kelsay
October 31, 2020
Consummate professional, true gentlemen, zealous advocate, able mentor and befriended a young attorney in the 1980's. RIP Henry thank you for your kindnesses.
Mark Schoenfeldt
October 30, 2020
My sincere condolences Angel to you and your family. He’s in a wonderful place now but he sure left his mark while here on earth. Great man and I’m sure a great family man.
Robert D. Crivello
October 30, 2020
Henry mentored me throughout law school. He was the epitome of what it means to be a lawyer. Hard work, compassion, skill, empathy, dedication, are a few words that just begin to touch the surface when I think about Henry.
I would not be where I am today without Henry, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Some of my fondest memories will always be the work that we did out of his office, and the stories I got to hear during our down time. To this day I can picture Henry in his conference room cranking out work on a Sunday, while simultaneously yelling at the Packers on a small tube tv. He was the best.
Henry often spoke of the love and pride he had for his family. My deepest sympathy to Joanne, Nick, Angel, and the entire Piano family.
Peter
October 30, 2020
The last time I saw Henry was back in January I stop in his office after my Doctor's visit. As a matter of fact, I would stop occasion when I was in the area. Of course I have known Henry through my Father Jack Fallucca.
We would reminisce about those times. We talk of every subject-there was none that Henry was not familiar with or well versed. I admired him about that. But the one thing that I truly admired about him was his sense of Honor, Tradition and Moral Compass.
And more personally, he reminded me of my beloved Father-whom he loved and spoke of often. Henry was a man of substance very few today are like that.
I shall deeply mourn him. My love to his family and blessings.
May God give them comfort
Peter A. Fallucca
Rick Knetzger
October 29, 2020
I was a business associate of Henry's, from 1976 to the present.
Outside of the professional venue, I so enjoyed our conversations about a variety of topics, from his humble beginnings working for his Mom & Dad at the tavern, and the camaraderie which they passed on to him which was then self-evident with him his family and his client base. His office was filled with pictures of Joanne, their children and all of the Niece’s nephew’s grandchildren, etc. and his lauding to all of their accomplishments.
Henry, an outstanding barrister, and a man who I was blessed to have known.
Brandon and Theresa Nemec
October 29, 2020
We sat with Henry and Joanne at the restaurant after Peter's wake. We enjoyed listening to some of his stories. We are going to miss him.
Love Brandon and Theresa Nemec
Rose Anne Fritchie
October 28, 2020
My deepest sympathy and love to Joanne and the entire family. Henry will be deeply missed by the Italian community, and me personally.
Rose Anne Ceraso-Fritchie, Vice President, Italian Community Center
John L Caputa
October 28, 2020
To the entire Piano family, Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of Henry. He will be missed by his many friends and associates.
Judge John and Judge Jean DiMotto
October 28, 2020
Jean and I extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Piano family on the passing of their patriarch. Henry was a terrific attorney and friend.
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