Robert Brookman of Oak Park, age 58. Beloved son of Nancy Alguire and the late Robert Brookman; dear brother of Matthew and the late Molly Brookman Perotto; fond uncle of Tia Perotto and Regan Perotto; loving nephew of Janet Brookman.

If one thing defined Rob more than anything else, it was his friendships.  He had an ability to create deep, long-lasting relationships with people in every aspect of his life.

In college at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Rob's artistic talents and political insight led to his role as the college newspaper's Editorial Cartoonist.  After college, he joined the State Treasurer's staff in Ohio as a speechwriter and communications specialist.  That experience led to a successful writing career in marketing and advertising.  For the past 15 years, Rob served as Senior Writer and Creative Director at the McGuffin Creative Group.  Colleagues at the company, which serviced clients as diverse as Allstate, Visa and the Mayo Clinic, described Rob as the heart and soul of the company - and McGuffin's true voice.

Rob's creative talents shined beyond his professional life.  A skilled songwriter and guitarist, Rob sang and played guitar on several records produced in Chicago.  He played live with his band, The Lucky Ones, throughout Chicagoland at venues like The Charleston, Fitzgerald's and the Hideout.  He performed regularly at the Bucktown Arts Fest where he also served as the event's Music Director for nearly two decades.

Rob made contributions to Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood beyond the Arts Fest, as well.  He played Santa Claus for neighborhood kids, judged more than a decade's worth of chili cook-offs and his beloved dog, Guthrie, was a rat-catching legend.

At every stop along his scholastic, professional and musical journeys, Rob formed lifelong friendships.  These human connections made him who he was - and represent what will be missed the most.

A Memorial Service will be held sometime in the Fall. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.