Robert Patrick Brophy

Robert Patrick Brophy March 5, 1964 - February 24, 2023 Rob passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of February 24, 2023, at his home in Mesa, Arizona.  Rob was born in Joliet, IL on March 5, 1964 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was the 4th child, and third son, of Beverly Ann (Burns) and Robert Emmett Brophy, Jr. Rob was a life-time Joliet resident where he graduated from St. Raymonds Grade School (‘78), and Joliet Catholic High School (‘82.) He attended Joliet Junior College, Illinois State University, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from Loyola University, Chicago (‘87). Rob was an athlete his whole life. He played basketball and baseball at Joliet Catholic where he was starting third baseman for the 1982 Hilltoppers baseball team that still holds the IHSA state record for wins in a season, (53). Up to the time of his death, Rob could still recall every significant statistic and moment from that season. Rob played club league baseball after college, as well as softball at Joliet Park District. When he no longer played, he taught his nephews the game of baseball, and was so very proud of the accomplishments of all ten nieces and nephews. If there was a game or an event, Rob was there for his family to cheer them on. Rob loved the sport of golf. He was an avid golfer, a great teacher of the game, and a competitor. He achieved his first and only hole-in-one at the Links of Carillon on the White course, hole 6 on August 13, 2011. He played as much as he could with whomever would join him. If you knew Rob, and own golf clubs, there’s a good chance you played a round with him at some point. His nephew, Ryan, recalls his patience and constant persistence as he spent countless rounds during the summers of the early 2000’s teaching Ryan the game. The golf course is where many people got to know and love Rob. He was a fierce competitor in everything he did, especially golf. If you ever lost to Rob in golf, there’s a 100% chance he reminded you of that defeat the last time you saw him. Rob’s family and friends recall the love he had for his beloved dogs, Keno, Yogi, and Boots. Each of whom lived such a beautiful life with Rob as their companion. They were the loves of his life, and their ashes will be laid to rest with Rob. Rob worked for multiple companies around the Joliet area. He began his professional career as a sports journalist, spending many years at the Plainfield Enterprise where he expanded the local sports coverage to 8 pages. He was a top salesman at Grants Appliances for over a decade. The past 10 years, Rob began spending the winter months in and around Phoenix, Arizona, when not at his Shorewood, IL home. Broph was a loyal friend and had a huge heart. Many of his closest friends go back to grade school and high school. He was so very proud of each of them. When Rob introduced friends to others, he’d build them up by highlighting an otherwise unknown accomplishment. He thrived on making sure those around him felt good about themselves. Rob is preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents Velma (Sanders) Burns, Dorothy (Curry) Burns, Wilfred P. Burns, Loretta C. (Corcoran) Brophy and Robert Emmett Brophy Sr. Also preceded by beloved uncle Jerry Burns and beloved aunts Margaret Brophy, Beverly J. Riva, Kay Cavallero, Donna Rae Johnson, and Lois Benich. He is survived by his Aunt Joyce Brophy, Sister of Providence, and his siblings Brian (Maureen); Beth (Nick) Starcevich; Timothy and Michael. Beloved uncle to Brie Starcevich (Matt) Steinke; Erin Brophy (Ray) Lunz; Nicholas (Darci) Starcevich; Kerry Brophy (Dane) Kennedy; Ryan (Ashley) Starcevich; Margaret Brophy (Alex) Pirela; Robert Emmett Brophy; Daniel Brophy; Taylar Brophy (Gabe) Venegas; and Braden Brophy. Also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great niece and nephews.     Funeral from the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, Friday March 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m.  Inurnment will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Memorial Park.   Visitation Thursday 4-7:30 p.m. and Friday morning 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.    In lieu of flowers memorials to The Sisters of Providence, 1 Providence Pl., St. Mary- of -The-Woods, IN 47876  would be appreciated.