Paul A. Milakovich

Paul A. Milakovich—devoted husband, respected attorney, nonprofit leader, and lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion—was born on November 26, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and passed away on January 19, 2026, in Washington, DC, surrounded by the love of his husband. His life was defined by service, integrity, compassion, advocacy, courage, and an unmistakable joy for living.

Paul dedicated more than three decades to strengthening institutions that serve people, particularly those most vulnerable, and to building organizations rooted in dignity, fairness, and care. He was known not only for his sharp legal mind and operational expertise, but also for his generosity as a mentor, his steady leadership, and his deep commitment to community.

Equally memorable as Paul’s professional accomplishments was his love of life and his unmistakable flair. He was a natural entertainer—always social, always opening his home to friends, always ready with a story or a joke. His smile could light up any room, and his laughter filled it just as easily. Paul was truly the life and soul of the party: warm, generous, quick-witted, and endlessly fun to be around.

After graduating from Coe College in 1985, Paul was admitted to Marquette University Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1988. He served as an editor of the Marquette Law Review and published scholarly work on corporate governance. He was admitted to practice law in Wisconsin and began his career as a corporate attorney with von Briesen & Purtell, S.C., advising nonprofit and business clients on mergers, governance, and organizational structure.

In 1991, Paul left private practice to join the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin (ARCW) as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel. Over the next fourteen years, he played a central leadership role in ARCW’s growth and evolution. His dedication and expertise helped expand ARCW’s services to include medical, dental, behavioral health, legal, and social support services for people living with HIV. He was instrumental in expanding ARCW’s reach from Milwaukee to six additional cities across Wisconsin, ensuring access to high-quality care statewide. During his tenure, ARCW’s annual budget grew from $2.4 million to $11 million. Paul also generously shared his expertise with other nonprofit organizations, supporting mergers and infrastructure modernization across the sector.

Paul later brought his talents to Aurora Health Care, where he served as Director of Philanthropy Operations. In this role, he provided administrative oversight for complex fundraising initiatives, grants management, donor systems, and financial operations, supporting millions of dollars in philanthropic and grant funding for patient care and community health.

In 2008, Paul returned to Marquette University as Associate Vice President for Advancement Services. He led the operational backbone of the university’s advancement division, supporting fundraising efforts exceeding $90 million annually. He oversaw advancement systems, legal services, financial planning, annual giving, and organizational development, and played a key role in modernizing Marquette’s advancement technology and processes.

From 2017 to 2022, Paul lived in Kansas City, Missouri, where he continued his legacy of leadership and service. He served as Chief Operating Officer of the St. Luke’s Foundation and as President of the Beacon Hill Homeowners Association. He also served on the board of the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City and the national nonprofit Pay It Forward 9/11, honoring first responders, victims of September 11, and the citizens of Gander, Newfoundland. Paul was also a strong supporter of Thrive Health Connection, an organization he deeply admired. During this chapter of his life, he became a devoted fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Beyond his institutional roles, Paul was a trusted national consultant and legal advisor to nonprofit organizations, including AIDS United, where he supported major nonprofit mergers through due diligence, governance structuring, and legal counsel.

Paul was deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. He was recognized by Marquette University as one of the first recipients of its Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, honoring his advocacy and leadership both on campus and throughout the Milwaukee community. His commitment to civic engagement began early, including service on the counseling staff of Badger Boys State, where he mentored young men in leadership, public service, and civic responsibility.

He served on numerous boards, including the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, the Cream City Foundation, and Coe College, offering thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and unwavering support for inclusive programming and community impact.

Paul was also a devoted dog lover. Throughout his life, he shared his home with English Springer Spaniels, and later, with his husband, Dean, with their beloved Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Dennis—who brought Paul endless joy, comfort, and companionship.

Above all else, Paul was a man of principle and heart. He believed that diversity was the mix, and inclusion was making that mix work—by ensuring people felt valued, respected, and supported. He lived that belief daily through his work, his advocacy, his friendships, and his love.

Paul is survived by his beloved husband, Dean Harkess, whom he adored and with whom he shared a deeply devoted partnership filled with love, laughter, mutual care, and profound connection. He is also survived by his brother, John Milakovich, and sister-in-law, Bonnie Milakovich, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children, all of whom he cared for deeply and took great pride in.

A celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 3:00 p.m. at the State Fair Inn 8101 W. Greenfield Ave.West Allis, WI 53214.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul’s memory to organizations supporting HIV/AIDS services, arts and culture, or causes advancing equity and inclusion—work that reflected his life’s purpose.

Paul’s legacy lives on in the institutions he strengthened, the communities he served, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, wisdom, humor, and unwavering integrity.