Robert Bridge Obituary

As many are, I too am a alumni of Quigley South and Fr. Bob Bridge's theatre troop. My name is Steven Fitzmaurice. I was part of the final graduating class of Quigley South.



When I first visited Quigely, they told us we would need a priest sponsor when we began school. Not knowing many Priests I was not sure who I would ask. My first thought was of a librarian of the school, who when I first me him impressed me and seemed to be a fun fellow. I was unable to ask him to sponsor me, but did go on to get to know him through his plays.



Through the plays I got to experience the true Fr. Bridge, not just the organized, strict librarian. At times his jokes were over my understanding, but he had a gentle side and a smile that many of my classmates never took the time to see yet enjoy. I had the pleasure of working as the prop master for "Merrily We Roll Along" with Fr. Bridge and Ms. Pat Pendleton and also acted as the French Ambassador for his final production at Quigley, "Of Thee I Sing."



I have many fond memories of his demand for excellence that taught me to push myself to new limits, to use my imagination to find solutions. Our personalities conflicted as Prop Master and Director. As an actor, I got to make him laugh and swell with pride, as I brought the character he entrusted me with to life on his stage.



Imagine my surprise when he showed up for a small play I did in college "The Lottery". It made my day.



I remember watching him on Channel 11, "Wild Chicago" as they did a expose on Scuba Diving one day.



My regret to my old friend and favorite director, is that I was unable to come and see him in his final appearance. May the angles of heaven gently escort him to paradise with our Lord and Savior.



Goodbye Fr. Bridge, I will miss you dearly. Now, heaven can experience the joy of your spirit and humor, I pray that Ms. Pendleton and you meet in paradise to put on a show for all to see and wonder!



God's grace and healing powers to his family here on earth. My apologies and condolences, other matters kept me from the visitation.

Fr. Bob Bridge. Another member of the Quigley South Family returns to Our Father's house, leaving the rest of us to swap stories and memories. As "Lord of the Library," Fr. Bridge knew where every volume resided and maintained an environment where SILENT study was always possible. Kinda of spoiled me, for even to this day when I read or study, I long for the silence of the QS library. Under Fr. Bridge, Master Producer/Director, I took part in several QS theatre productions. It was through these extra curricular activities that I honed my communication skills and developed a love of the theatre. Demanding complete dedication to each production, Fr. Bridge reinforced a work ethic based upon obtaining, as nearly as possible, flawless executiuon. Again, I am grateful. I will never forget the dress rehersal for "Kiss Me, Kate." Due to some last minute alterations, Fr. Bridge did not have an opportunity to see my costume before the dress rehersal began. The first time he would see it would be when I entered the stage for the first time ... and boy, did he see it. As Baptista Minola, the richest man in all of Padua, I entered stage left in flowing velvet robes of maroon and purple, silk sleeves, frilly collar and cuffs, dangling gold chains, and puffy hat adorned with a single peacockesque feather. Fr. Bridge's BOOMING LAUGH let me know he approved of the costume. Because we "ALWAYS HOLD FOR LAUGHTER," I waited for nearly a minute--although at the time it seemed like an eternity--for Fr. Bridge's laughter to cease so I could proceed. Each time I attempted to begin my line, he would let out another roar. A moment I will never forget. God bless you and keep you Fr. Bridge ... til we meet again.

To Father Bridge's Family: My name is Jeff Dumas. I was a student at Quigley South. Father Bridge was the director for "Merrily We Roll Along", which I was in in my Junior year. I had worked on a few other shows as well. Well, after high school, I went on to pursue a career in theatre, due in large part to the impression Father Bridge had made apon me. He saw a production of Hans Brinker I did in 1994 and saw everything I did after that. That's alot of shows. He would even come to see my oldies band and tip a pint with us in between sets. Once, I was doing a production of "Little Shop of Horrors" in Madison Wisconsin. I figured since it was so far, he wouldn't be able to come see it, so I didn't bother telling him about it. Well, he was in Kenosha and picked up the Madison Public Radio show, on which I was doing a couple of numbers from the show. Guess who came and suprised me in Madison? You got it. He saw everything. Over the years, we became great friends and I tried to remind him that I had him to thank and blame for deciding to spend the rest of my life on stage. He called me about a month ago and told me about his illness. A week later I got to see him and we were able to relive old times. I didn't know it would be the last time I would see my good friend. He had tickets to come see "Pacific Overtures", the show I'm doing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on October 17, but because of his health, he was unable to come. He moved the tickets, but was unable to come again. He then moved his tickets to January 6. It breaks my heart to think that he wasn't able to see it. It's a musical by Stephen Sondheim, and if you knew Bob Bridge, you knew he loved Sondheim. I miss him already, as I'm sure you do as well. I just found out today that he passed, for I would have been at his wake and funeral. Missing those also saddens me. He was a great man, and I know there are many other students who felt the same way. I will always be grateful, however, that I was able to become his friend in such a lasting and profound way. God be with you and your family. If you get a chance to see the show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, please send a note backstage. I would love to meet you. Take care, and God Bless.

Mr. Bridge, Mary & Will

So sorry to hear about your son and brother Bob. I know you will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Ken, Lynn, Jennifer & Julie

With sincere sympathy. I will always remember Bob and his unique wit. He was a fine son, brother and servant of the Lord. May God bless your family and friends at this time and always.