Robert J. Vanderheyden Jr.

Robert Joseph Vanderheyden, Jr. "Bob/Pop", 72, husband to Barbara Vanderheyden (Phalen), passed away suddenly at home on August 11, 2023.

Born September 29, 1950 in Troy NY, he was the son of the late Robert and Mina Vanderheyden.

Bob was a life long resident of Green Island and graduated from Heatly High School in 1969. He joined the Green Island Police force in 1975, became Sergeant, and retired in 2005. While working on the force he also worked part time as an officer for the Village of Menands. After retiring, he worked at Heatly School as the hall monitor, where the staff and students adored him. He went on to work as an armed security guard at NYISO.

He enjoyed watching the Yankees (until recently), fishing and hunting with his good friend Gary, and his most favorite thing was going to the casino with his wife. When Bob wasn't working, he cherished his time with his family. His wife, children, and the best Pop to his grandchildren, were his world, his everything.

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his grandson, Bryan Vanderheyden, Jr.

In addition to his wife, Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory: sons, Bryan of Troy, and Robert "Bobby" III (Kim) of Green Island; daughters, Beth Schoonmaker (Cory) and Blair McGuirk (David) of Latham; grandchildren, Lola Thomas, Alexander Vanderheyden, Willow Schoonmaker, David McGuirk III, Levi McGuirk, Savannah McGuirk, and Miles McGuirk.
He is also survived by his sister Sandy Harris and his brother John Vanderheyden, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will be gathering to celebrate Bob's life on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the American Legion, 35 Cohoes Ave, Green Island, NY 12183 from 4-8PM. Interment will take place at 11AM on Friday, August 18th at Memory Gardens, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's name to the Multiple Myloma Foundation, myeloma.org.

To share a memory of Robert or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.