Robert P. “Bob” Brotheridge, 77, of Galena, IL, passed away peacefully with family at his side after a brief battle with lung cancer on Thursday, December 17, 2015.   Bob was born on June 6, 1938 at Community General Hospital in Sterling, Illinois of Whiteside County.  He was the first born and only son of Robert A. and Marjory (Pexton) Brotheridge. He graduated in 1956 from Sterling High School and immediately began work with Illinois Bell Company a career which spanned thirty six and a half years.  In 1957 he married his high school sweetheart Lois Vlad of Sterling at the United Methodist Church in Sterling.  She preceded him in death in July of 2006. The community of Galena became their home in 1964 when he was transferred to Galena from Sterling and where they raised their family. Quickly he settled in becoming acquainted with Galena residents as he repaired and maintained phones in the Galena and surrounding area. In 1968 he took on additional and part time work to provide for his family and worked for the Galena Police Department through 1971. Following retirement from Ameritech in 1992 and with a desire to remain active he began work in 1992 with the City of Galena as Electrical Inspector where he was still actively employed.  Bob thoroughly enjoyed this career working with contractors, builders, and particularly City Staff. Electrical Codes were always foremost in his mind as he continued to increase his vast knowledge in the field of Electrical Code. Bob enjoyed history and particularly the study of American diplomat Elihu Washburn.  In 1997 he began portraying the life of Washburn at many Galena events and schools heaped with in depth knowledge of the life of Washburn.  His clothing attire to his handle-bar moustache would instantly depict the arrival of Elihu Washburn.  He currently served on the board of the Historical Preservation Committee of Galena (HPC) and was a former member of the Galena Generals. Music always played a pivotal part of his life.  He served as Choir Director for the United Methodist Church for twenty years.  In October of 2009 Bob married Carol (Reiter) Callahan-Godwin at St. Michael’s Church in Galena. Together they shared their music ministry at St. Michael’s where he sang in the Sonrise Choir, served as Cantor and Rosary Leader.  He also served on the Building and Grounds Committee of St. Michael’s for many years and was a member of the Dubuque Archdiocesan Choral.  He was an active member of the 4^th Degree Assembly of the Msgr. C. F. Conely Knights of Columbus. Bowling and golf were his choice sports.  He enjoyed the splendid beauty of the sunrise and sunsets overlooking the golf course.  He was a member of the Galena Golf Club and bowling leagues of Platteville, WI. Those left to cherish his many memories are son Mark (Tammy) Brotheridge, Edgerton, WI; Michelle (Steve) Allen, Galena; Jon Brotheridge, Dubuque, IA; step-children Michael Callahan, Evanston, IL; and Ann Tracey, Elizabeth, IL.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Doug (Jamie Otis) Allen, Oregon City , OR; Matt (Ashley Dieter) Allen, Galena; Kenneth (Liz) Brotheridge of Janesville, WI; Rachel Brotheridge, Janesville, WI; step grandchildren Ryan, Mary Frances, and Evan Tracey, Elizabeth, IL; great grandchildren Payton Parker and Wyatt Robert Allen; and Thomas Alexander Brotheridge.  Also left to cherish his memory are his mother Marjory, his siblings Sally (Al) Dixon of AZ; Jane Shipma, Sterling, IL; Linda (Roger) Koster of Decatur, IL; his in-laws James (Anna Mae) Powers, Virginia Lyons and LaVern (Gayle) Reiter all of Dubuque; John (Sandra) Callahan of Galena and Sue Callahan, Worthington, IA.  He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved very deeply. He was preceded in death by his father Robert A. Brotheridge, his in-laws Joe and Verl Vlad and Leo and Esther Reiter, brother in law Herb Shipma; brother in law Merlin (Janann) Reiter; sister in laws Marion (Homer) Jewell and Orvetta and Jeanette Reiter.  Friends may greet the family on Tuesday, December 22, at the Furlong Funeral Home from 3 to 7 p.m. where the Knights of Columbus will hold a prayer service at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, December 23, at 10:30 a.m. with Celebrant Father David Reese, Con- Celebrants Father Jack Dennerlein and Father Kos. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Galena followed by a luncheon at St. Mary’s, Bally Hall. The family would like to thank the City of Galena Staff, Dr. Holm and the Oncology Department of Medical Associates, Dr. Cihak and the Staff of Midwest Medical Center of Galena, Galena EMS, Hospice of Dubuque and the entire community of Galena for their prayers and concern during this difficult time. Memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Church, the Galena Food Pantry, the Galena EMS or Hospice of Dubuque.