Robert Vandergrift
December 18 1921 - January 10 2015
Visitation :
Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church
Saturday January 17th 2015 9-10 a.m.
20 East Dominion Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43214
Services:
Funeral Mass
Saturday January 17th 2015 at 10:00 am
Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church
20 E. Dominion Blvd
Columbus
, Ohio 43214
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Obituary
Robert George Vandergrift, age 93, was born December 18, 1921 (to Cecilia and George Vandergrift) in Columbus, Ohio, died January 10, 2015. Survived by daughter, Anne Vandergrift (Gary Rich); daughter Mary (Pedro) Ortiz; grandchildren, Pedro A. Ortiz, Marissa Ortiz and Antonio Ortiz; niece, Rose Drum; great niece, Rhonda Drum and great nephews, Mark Drum, Benjamin Wills and Greg Wills. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Helen Vandergrift; sisters, Ellen Vandergrift and Mary Vandergrift; niece, Barbara Wills and nephew, James Ogle. Bob and Helen were married in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio. They raised two daughters to whom they were utterly devoted. Bob worked as a draftsmen at Rockwell International on the development of planes and military contracts. His spare time was spent with family enjoying music, travel and gardening. Everyday activities gave him joy and he had a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounded him. Bob had a heart of gold. He was a humanist who believed in inclusivity, and sharing his fun-loving spirit with everyone he encountered. He also believed every individual could impact the world in a positive manner. Quite remarkably, he retained this idealism throughout his life. During WWII he was stationed in the South Pacific as part of the U.S. Navy and his patriotism was unequivocal. During his years as a high school student at St. Thomas Aquinas he was a member of the choir. In recent years (while residing in Cincinnati) he joined a singing group called The Troubadours, touring retirement homes and senior centers throughout the city performing hits from the 1930s and '40s. He is now at peace with our Heavenly Father A short visitation at 9:15 a.m. will precede the Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 20 E. Dominion (at N. High), on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Bob's children would like to especially thank Patty Iery - very special caregiver, who took excellent care of our dear sweet father. Arrangements entrusted with JOHN QUINT TREBONI.
Condolences for Robert Vandergrift
From : Jennifer and Jack London
To : Anne and Mary
Date: January 12th 2015
Dear Anne and Mary,
We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We know that you remained devoted to taking care of him until he passed and we are sure he was comforted by your constant presence and love.
We have many fond memories of him. He was always
positive and fun. He was one of our Dad's closest friends from when they were very little boys. And he always remembered our Mom and called and wrote to her faithfully until she passed.
His thoughtful letters to us were so appreciated and we are touched to know he kept a picture of our boys on his wall.
We are grateful to him for his patriotic service along with the rest of his "Greatest Generation".
We hope the good memories of him during the time he graced us here on earth will bring you comfort now as he passes to heaven to join your Mom and so many of his friends and family.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers we are,
Affectionately yours,
Jennifer & Jack
Jackson, Jayson and Jonathon
From : Amy Crawford
To : Anne and Mary
Date: January 14th 2015
Anne and Mary,
It is hard to find the words to express my condolences at your dad's passing. From what I understood, he was in some sense ready to leave this life and proceed into the world beyond. So I am relieved for him, but at the same time, it feels like a light that has always been present has gone out. Your dad was really, really funny, always so kind, and such a joy to be around. The friendship that our parents had was special. I'll always be grateful for your parents' role in my life and especially for your dad's unique spirit, which touched us all. We love you.
Amy
From : Chris
To : Anne and Mary
Date: January 17th 2015
Dear Anne and Mary,
My thoughts are with you. You have lost a devoted father and we all have lost a gem of a person.
Your dad holds a special place in the lives of the entire Crawford family. Your parents' friendship was an enduring source of comfort and companionship to my parents. Their visits to our house always ligthened my parents mood, and your dad's jokes never failed to produce laughs.
Your dad made me, and all of us Crawfords feel special. Even Matteo noticed this from a young age; a trip to Columbus was not complete without a visit with Bob.
A big hug from the four of us. While far away, we are close to you at heart.
Chris, Stefano, Alessandro and Matteo