Robert Prothero, 69, former vice president of Illinois Bell and Ameritech, died Friday in University Medical Center in Tucson, Ariz. Mr. Prothero began his career after serving in the Army during the Korean War, taking a position as staff accountant with Pacific Telephone. He transferred to Illinois Bell as a regional manager in 1966 and became vice president of Downstate operations in 1971. He joined Ameritech in 1984 as vice president of information systems technology. He retired three years later and worked as an independent consultant. Mr. Prothero was active in many community organizations and would help blind veterans navigate the golf course during golf games. Mr. Prothero is survived by his wife, Betty; three daughters, Mary Miles, Theresa Larkin and Emily Moberly; a son, Thomas; four stepsons, John, William, Michael and Stephen Bucheleres; and 10 grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Elliston Funeral Home, 60 S. Grant St. in Hinsdale. Mass will be said at 9:30 a.m. Thursday in St. John of the Cross Church, 49th Street and Wolf Road, Western Springs.
