William A. Jennaro was a lawyer, judge and storyteller, a Milwaukee original who grew up on the city's near south side, remained close to his roots and devoted years to helping cultivate the Italian Community Center. Beyond his love of family and respect for the law, he also had a passion for playing gin rummy with friends.

For more than 40 years, Jennaro was part of a serious yet high-spirited weekly card game. "Billy would start the story and a half an hour later he'd be on the same story. It was never-ending. We'd just all fold our arms and listen," said his longtime friend Frank Calarco.