Robert J. Brill, a man whose life was defined by his deep passion for music, his quick wit, and his unforgettable conversations, passed away on November 1, 2025, in Minneapolis due to organ failure. He was 71.

Born on July 13, 1954, in Austin, MN, where he attended Pacelli High School and St. John's University in Collegeville, MN

He was a talented musician who played guitar and drums and sang in a band. He loved discussing music with Mark Scott. He loved challenging others and himself with trivia and found great joy in cooking.

He lived in the Seward Towers in Minneapolis and was affectionately known throughout his neighborhood—and sometimes specifically as "the mayor of Seward Towers. Everyone seemed to know Bob, and he made sure to greet and chat with them whenever their paths crossed. Bob had a gift for storytelling and loved sharing the jokes he made up, bringing a smile to many faces.

Family was the most essential thing in Bob's life. He looked forward to celebrating holidays and his birthday with them. He especially loved Easter brunch, where he enjoyed schmoozing with people.

We will miss his daily calls about his adventures, what he made for dinner, and the cost of groceries.

Bob loved going to restaurants. Red Lobster cheese biscuit and Wendy's Frosty Malt were favorites; as a matter of fact, thanks to his great-niece Gabriella McCarter, his last meal was a Frosty Malt! He also loved Domino's Pizza and, of course, White Castle.

Bob faced significant mental health challenges throughout his adult life, including Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, and head trauma from a car accident in his early twenties. Despite these struggles, he was a happy soul who did his best to spread that happiness to everyone he encountered.

Bob, we send you our love as you journey to the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for the happiness you spread.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher, and loving parents, Marvin and Ruth Brill.

His siblings and their families survive him:

· Sister Suzanne McCarter and husband, Dr. Thomas McCarter, of Saint Paul, and their children: Robert McCarter, Colleen McCarter, and Catherine McCarter.

· Brother Mark Brill and wife, Laura, of Edina, and their children: Peder Scott, Kathryn Elden (Jeff), Matt Brill (Eric Moore), and Charles Brill (Merrill Lyons).

· Brother Bruce Brill of Florida, and his children: Owen Brill, Laura Elmore (Will), and Ava Brill.

We want to extend our eternal gratitude to the staff in the Care One unit of Hennepin County Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care of our brother in his final days—the Staff at Seward apartment, Hennepin County Attorney William Mondale, and Touchstone

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21, 2024 at Pax Christi Catholic Community 12100 Pioneer Trail, Eden Prairie, MN 55347. Mass to begin at 9:30 AM 

No flowers, please. Instead, you can donate to the following organizations:

NAMI Minnesota

National Alliance on Mental Illness

1919 University Ave W #400

 St Paul, MN 55104

(651)645-2948

https://www.namimn.org/

Cope

Community Outreach for Psychiatric Emergencies

Hennepin County: 612-596-1223

https://www.hennepin.us › cope