Robert ‘Bob’ ‘Pops’ Van Heest, worked in chemicals

Robert "Bob" "Pops" Francis Van Heest, 80, of Lewes, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Bob was born in Hackensack, N.J. He was the only son of Cornelius and Frances (Kievit) Van Heest.

Bob grew up in Ridgewood, N.J,. graduating from Ridgewood High School. He married his high school sweetheart Jeanne in 1955, and in 1960 moved from Ridgewood to Wilmington 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, Texas, where he worked at Chemetron Chemicals. Another transfer in 1972 would take the family to Morristown, Tenn. 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 he tried his hand at farm living. Always volunteering, Bob helped 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). He moved to Lewes 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 N.J.; six 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, and 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.

Bob's family would like to thank the staff of Beebe Healthcare and Compassionate Care Hospice for their excellent support and professionalism.

There will be a Celebration of Bob's life with a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 10, at Parsell Funeral Home and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway in Lewes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday April 11, at 11 a.m., at Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, 30839 Mt. Joy Road, Millsboro, with a viewing prior to Mass at 10 a.m. Interment will follow Mass at All Saints’ Cemetery, Harbeson.

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 visit Bob's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.