Robert Francis Van Heest's Obituary
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED BY 3 PM, MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2017 TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES, LEWES, DE.
Robert “Bob” “Pops” Francis Van Heest age, 80 of Lewes DE passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 5, 2017. Bob was born in Hackensack NJ. He was the only son of Cornelius and Frances (Kievit) Van Heest.
Bob grew up in Ridgewood NJ, graduated from Ridgewood High School. He married his high school sweetheart Jeanne in 1955 and in 1960 moved from Ridgewood NJ to Wilmington DE with his young family to pursue a career in chemical manufacturing at Conestoga Chemical Co. During his time in Wilmington, Bob was very active at his church St. John the Beloved. He assisted in creating the school's athletic association and presided as president. In 1969 Bob was transferred to Houston TX where he worked at Chemetron Chemicals. Another transfer in 1972 would take the family to Morristown TN. There he worked for Arapahoe Chemical Co. Bob and Jeanne bought 25 beautiful acres in the foothills of the Smokies and with the help of his wife and children tried his hand at farm living. Always volunteering, Bob help co-found the East Hamblen Volunteer Fire Co. He moved back to Delaware in 1976 where he co-founded First State Chemical, (presently Noramco of DE). Moved to Lewes, DE in 1995 where he built homes primarily in Angola by the Bay. He was very active in the Angola by the Bay community, serving as president of the ABTB HOA and various other committees.
Bob enjoyed quality time with his large immediate family, as well as a host of friends and relatives. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, boating, hot rods, and model ship building, but his first love was his family. He was a loyal friend to many and always took an interest in others. He believed in making his own corner of the world a better place for all those around him. He was never too busy to lend a hand or share advice. He welcomed every new member of the family with open arms and was extremely proud of his family.
Bob is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne Muriel (French) of Oradell NJ; 6 children, Kate Judefind (Ron Herman) of Newark and Millsboro, Sharon Rickards of Milton, Robert Jr. and wife Katie (Hopkins) of Newark, Neil of Shrewsbury, PA, Charles and wife Joy (Weber) of Lewes, JJ and wife Sandy (Jester) of Middletown; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his very close buddy and son-in-law Bud Rickards of Milton DE.
Bob’s family would like to thank the staff of Beebe Hospital and Compassionate Care Hospice for their excellent support and professionalism.
There will be a Celebration of Bob’s life with a viewing from 6-8pm, Monday April 10, 2017, at Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway in Lewes DE.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday April 11, 2017 at 11AM at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, DE 19966, with a viewing prior to Mass at 10 AM. Interment will follow Mass at All Saints Cemetery, Harbeson, DE.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to in Bob’s memory to the American Heart Association, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 101, Newark, DE 19713.
Please sign his online guestbook at this site.
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