Robert John VanDerbeek, Nabisco retiree
Robert John VanDerbeek, 75, of Ocean View, formerly of Chester County, Pa., passed away at home surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
Bob was born Dec. 3, 1946, in Somerville, N.J., son of the late William Duyckinck VanDerbeek and the late Emma H. (Keephart) VanDerbeek. He graduated from the Industrial Management Institute with an associate's degree in industrial management and his bachelor’s degree in technical and scientific management from Drake College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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, Texas, 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 a.m. to noon, Friday, March 25, at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church, 81 Central Ave., Ocean View, where the funeral service will begin at noon. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 26, at New Germantown Cemetery, Oldwick, N.J. The funeral procession will begin at 2:30 p.m. from Scarponi Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main St., Lebanon, N.J. and proceed to New Germantown Cemetary, Joliet St., Oldwick, N.J. Graveside service will begin at 3 p.m.
Flowers are welcome or in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Bob’s name to Lebanon Fire Department. Lebanon, N.J., (18fire.org/home) or AirMethods Medical Transport (airmethods.com).
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
