Robert John Brill

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, Minnesota, where he attended Pacelli High School. He continued his education at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota.
He was a talented musician who played guitar and drums and sang in a band. He loved discussing his Pandora playlists. 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 important 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 Gabby, 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 Susanne McCarter and her husband, Tom, of Saint Paul, and their children Colleen, Robert, and Cathleen.
Brother Mark Brill and his 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.
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