Robert John VanDerbeek

Robert John VanDerbeek, age 75, of Ocean View, DE formerly of Chester County, PA passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.  

Bob was born in Somerville, NJ on December 3, 1946 son of the late William Duyckinck VanDerbeek and the late Emma H. (Keephart) VanDerbeek.  He graduated from the Industrial Management Institute with an Associates Degree in Industrial Management and his Bachelor’s Degree in Technical & Scientific Management from Drake College in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Bob retired from Nabisco after 37 years, only to spend the next 14 years as a realtor for Long & Foster selling properties at the Delaware Shore, a place he truly loved.  Bob was a member of the Holland Society of New York and the Sons of the American Revolution (Philadelphia Continental Chapter). 

Bob lived his life joyfully. He cherished time spent with his family.  He loved long walks, picnics at sunset and date nights with his wife; he loved his Eagles, laughing, Oreos, Easter Egg hunts and the occasional shot of Fireball.  He loved playing golf with his wife, family and friends but for his children and grandchildren, mini golf was the order of the day.  Every small thing was done with great love and intention.  Anyone who had the privilege to know him will tell you that he was infinitely kind and he will be deeply missed. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William Duyckinck VanDerbeek, Jr.  Bob is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Joan L. (Robinson) VanDerbeek; three children, Cyndee VanDerbeek Kennedy (Timothy) of Chester Springs, PA, Lisa VanDerbeek Stottlemyer (James) of NorthEast MD and Heather Lynn VanDerbeek of Downingtown, PA; three stepchildren, Thomas V. Verish (Lucina) of Doylestown, PA, Tina L. Mangles (Al) of San Antonio, TX and Carol L. Houck (Jared) of Harrisburg, PA, his lifelong best buddy, Lud Maczynski and his 13 grandchildren who lit up his world.  

A viewing will be held from 10 AM to 12 noon on Friday, March 25, 2022 at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970, where the funeral service will begin at 12 noon.  A graveside service will be held Saturday March 26 at 3pm at New Germantown Cemetery in Oldwick, NJ.  The funeral procession will begin at 2:30pm from Scarponi Bright Funeral Home on 26 Main Street Lebanon New Jersey and proceed to New Germantown Cemetery Joliet Street Oldwick NJ. Graveside service will begin at 3pm. 

Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bob’s name to Lebanon Fire Department in Lebanon, NJ (www.18fire.org/home) or AirMethods Medical Transport www.airmethods.com 

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