Robert Evans “Bob” Brotherson, age 89, of Erie, PA and Pinellas Park, FL, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, December 5, 2014 at Edinboro Manor.
Bob was born in Erie on June 19, 1925, son of the late N. Jesse and Mildred Evans Brotherson. He attended East High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1943. As a gunner in World War II, he traveled the world as a member of the Naval Armed Guard and enjoyed telling many stories about his World War II adventures.
Bob was employed as a meat cutter, first at the State Street Food Market and then at Kroger’s for over 20 years. He also was a bartender at the Erie Maennerchor Club for many years. In 1979, he and his wife launched a very successful catering business, “Carole’s Culinary Cuisine”. Bob was always the “life of the party” and was known for his great hugs and making everyone laugh with his “off color” jokes.
Bob led an active life. He was a lifetime golfer, as well as an accomplished artist. He loved animals and enjoyed flowers, gardening and playing cards with his many friends. He was a huge fan of the Erie Playhouse and in his later years enjoyed fishing on the “Big Red Boat”, the Edward John, and winters in Florida.
Perhaps most of all, Bob will be remembered for hosting hundreds of family and friend gatherings at his beautiful Glenwood Park Avenue home in Erie, where he loved to cook and entertain.
Bob was preceded in death by two sisters- Blanche Strike and Jean Gwin; a daughter- Nancy Smith; a son- Richard Brotherson; and a grandson- Craig Green II.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Carole Besonson Brotherson; and a sister, Marjorie Eaglen of Harborcreek. He is further survived by four children- Roberta “Bobbi” Ebert (fianc??? Larry Kreakie) of Erie, Craig (Kim) Green of McKean, Bradley (Cassie) Green of Erie, and Sonja (John) Nekoloff of Waterford; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
The family will receive visitors at the Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be there on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Kenneth Thompson and Rev. Donald Girdwood. Burial will follow at Rootville Cemetery in Lincolnville, PA.
Carole, I am so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Fond memories of the spreads you and Bob served at the playhouse. I admired the way you two worked together.