It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Joseph R. Marconi. Joe passed away surrounded by his family last night after a brief illness.
He was the past president and current chairman emeritus of Johnson & Bell, Trial Lawyers and a member of our Board of Directors, but he was much more to all who knew and worked with him.
He was never too busy to help when needed. He was a mentor, a tireless advocate, a firm cheerleader, and a friend whose support and wisdom we will all miss immensely.
Joe was a proud graduate of Iowa State University, where he was a standout football player and coach, and of John Marshall Law School, which honored him with its “Distinguished Service Award.”
He joined Johnson & Bell in 1988, bringing with him a tenacity he honed on the gridiron and a work ethic fostered in his family’s bakery business. For 37 years Joe was a constant force for success and progress at the firm.
He focused his legal career on Business Litigation and Professional Liability issues, leading those practices while also acting as outside general counsel for ISBA Mutual Insurance Company over more than 30 years.
He will be remembered for his many successes in the courtroom and contributions to our firm, but more importantly for his thoughtfulness, good humor, kindness, and humanity.
Our thoughts are with Joe's family today and in the days ahead, when he will be fondly remembered by those who were blessed to know him.
