Robert Lee Vanarsdall, Jr., 76, loving father and grandfather, pioneer and innovator in orthodontics, passionate teacher, loyal friend, world traveler, Navy man, fantastic storyteller, and all around great person, passed away on January 1, 2017. Born in Crewe, Va.—and known by most as “Slick,” as much for his engaging personality as for his winning style—he received his undergraduate degree from William and Mary, where he met the love of his life, his wife Sandra Hoffman, whom he married in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy as a line officer beginning in 1962. In the late 1960s, he moved from service to his country to service of patients, receiving his dental degree from the Medical College of Virginia (’70) and his post-doctoral specialty training in both Orthodontics and Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania (’72, ’73). At Penn, he served as Chairman of the Department of Periodontics, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and directed Orthodontics for more than 25 years, all while serving as a professor and maintaining a private practice for more than four decades, continuing to teach and practice until his death. He is survived by his son, Lee Vanarsdall (wife Rachel, of Silver Spring, Md.); daughters Lesley Vanarsdall (of Narberth, Pa.) and Ashley Vanarsdall Burke (husband Brendan, Washington, D.C.); five grandchildren, Jeff and Becky Vanarsdall, Grayson and Crosby Joson, and Emerson Lee Burke; his brother Joseph E. Vanarsdall (Chesterfield, Va.); and his sister Barbara V. Ragland (Crewe, Va.). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Sandra Hoffman Vanarsdall; parents, Robert Lee and Margie Jenkins Vanarsdall; and grandson Christopher Jackson Burke. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday January 5, 10 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University campus, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA. Friends and relatives may visit with the family at the Church starting at 9 AM. Interment will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dr. Robert Vanarsdall Fellowship Fund at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Department of Orthodontics through the following link: https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/giving/jsp/fast.do. Funeral arrangements by McConaghy Funeral Home, Ardmore. www.mcconaghyfuneralhome.com

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Published by Main Line Media News from Jan. 3 to Jan. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Vanarsdall

Sponsored by Family.

50 Entries

Joe Vanarsdall

December 27, 2022

Wish you were still here brother. Been many times I wish I could call just to say hello.

Barbara Givler

January 26, 2018

Dr vanarsdall cared for my two children for nearly ten years. He was so professional, caring, and patient with the kids and me, the mom. He was tough when he needed to be. His smile and laugh and connection was always part of the appointments. Both children have gorgeous smiles. He loved his family and always talked about them ...I am sure he will be missed by many...I put friend as relationship because he was far more than our doctor

Peter Monckton

November 21, 2017

It is only today I have discovered the passing of "Slick". I never called him that to his face, because it seemed disrespectful to a boy from the "land downunder". Everytime we met he asked me to call him slick. I couldn't do it to Barney either.
If you ever saw him uncover an impacted cuspid he was indeed slick. He drew local anesthetic like billy the kid did a six gun and few could equal him with a scalpel.
My time at Penn was too short. His enthusiasm was infectious. I did manage to upset him a few times but I learnt many valuable life lessons.
One of the few ways to achieve immortality is to be a good teacher. To me, he sleeps with some of the other immortals I was fortunate to meet during my time at Penn.
If only we had written all those conversations down it would be a sensational read.

Mario Vilardi

September 28, 2017

To a great Friend, Mentor and Clinician, you will always be missed!!!!

P MARK PORTNOY

May 11, 2017

I just read the news in the Spring 2017 Penn Dental Journal; so I expect many others will now read of the news of his passing. Most every time that I examine a dental patient, the words of Dr Vanarsdall come to mind: "First I like to start by examining the occlusion". He was a great role-model for the passion that he brought to his vocation.

Jennifer Marshall

May 7, 2017

I was a patient of Dr. Vanarsdall's many years ago, as he saw me through my awkward teen years with braces. Knowing how self conscious I was, he re-cemented them behind my teeth so they weren't noticeable! I have been friends with Lesley since college, and send my deepest sympathies to she, Ashley and the rest of the family. Dr. Vanarsdall, ("Slick"), will be greatly missed. He was such a kind and loving gentleman, and his passing is an incomprehensible loss. Jen

Kathleen Margay

April 17, 2017

A gentleman and a scholar, more so - an excellent doctor that always had the highest level of respect and care for his patients. What a tremendous loss for Penn Dental. My best to the family.

Marshall Spoto

February 20, 2017

I was so sad to hear of Slick's passing. I also went to the Medical College of Va and graduated class of 67. I didn't know him then but met him several times at CE courses he gave. He was a giant in the ortho perio field and will be missed.

Richard Weiss

February 3, 2017

Dr. V. What a sweet man! You were a consummate professional who created two straight, bright smiles for our boys, but you were also a warm and compassionate caregiver. We know you were sick for a long time and what a monumental effort it must have been to work through your illness. You are a real portrait of strength, gentleness and grace. Our hearts go out to the Vanarsdall family. From the Weiss family.

Matthew Watkins

January 26, 2017

Dr. Vanarsdall was my daughter's orthodontist and it was our pleasure to know him, if only for a fairly short, but fortunate, time. His passing came as a real shock but we are sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and long-time friends. He was a rare and good man, and a gem of his profession!

Daniel Tanguay

January 22, 2017

I am so sad.What a loss for our profession, especially for the Angle East.
I have no words other than he profoundly impacted me as an orthodontist, teacher, leader but more so as a tremendous person.
A big void he will leave.
I think I speak from all of us at the Angle in saying that We will miss you a lot.
Our thoughts go out to all the family and friends.

Jessica Acosta

January 15, 2017

it is with the heaviest heart that i mourn the passing of one of the most important doctors i have ever met: Dr. V changed my life a little over two years ago when i walked into the office && asked him to give me a new face. I always used humor to hide how terribly self conscious i was of my smile and my face && he said "doll you're beautiful, just wait until i'm done with you" and here we are two years later && i have changed so much as a person because Dr. V gave me the confidence to do so. I always said you would walk me down the isle because the reason I get married will be because you made me beautiful again, I cannot believe that day will never come. You were an amazing person && I am beyond grateful to say I knew you.

Andrew Orloff

January 13, 2017

My deepest sympathies to the Vanarsdall family. I was his patient for the last seven years - I felt privileged to have him as my doctor as he took great care (and showed that he cared) to greatly improve my quality of life. Reading the guest book I am gratified to see he touched so many lives and trained and mentored so many. We were all so lucky to have known him.

Lara Sullivan

January 12, 2017

Words can't capture the kindness, graciousness, generosity and charisma of Dr. Vanarsdall. For the 20 years I have been an adult patient of his, I always looked forward to his big smile and greeting of "hello doll" and the stories of his travels and his family. You just felt so good in his presence - his warmth was infectious. He made such an impact on so many people - patients, students, colleagues - that I hope his family can take some solace in that during this difficult time of saying goodbye. He will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

Lynette

January 12, 2017

Dr V. made such an impact on my smile as an adult, I will never forget him. His warm hands, enthusiasm and excellent work were to be admired. Sincere condolences to his family.

Miguel Hirschhaut

January 10, 2017

The best orthodontist & teacher in the world

Cheryl Devine

January 9, 2017

With heartfelf sympathy to his family.
Dr. Vanarsdale, you will be greatly missed. Your great care as an orthodontist is rivaled only by your sweet and lovely personality. Wish I could have known you longer.
Cheryl Devine
Always grateful and admiring

Nikki

January 6, 2017

My family and I are deeply saddened by RLV's passing. He was the "Best Boss" ever! I loved, admired, and respected him both personally and professionally. Working for Slick for over 35 years was a truly rewarding experience. My heart is broken and I will certainly miss him. My heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Harris Krikonis

January 6, 2017

I will always remember Dr. Vanarsdall. Unique teacher and clinician. His spirit, enthusiasm and humanity will guide me forever. Thank you for all Slick!

January 5, 2017

Bobby lee,many memories of us growing up in crewe, enjoyed many times. God bless and keep you in his care. Nancy Hundley Whelan, crewe va

Thomas Herberger

January 5, 2017

Thomas A. Herberger,
Dr. Vanarsdall, Slick to us all wasthe greatest influence in my life and career. He Was a force in our lives that made all of us better. He had the ability to bring people together to make the whole a much better place. I will always cherish the time I had with him and will for ever be a better person by having been allowed to be part of the Penn Ortho family. My time at Penn and in all the years since he was always there for me, and all of us. If I can be half the person he was I will consider myself a great success. I will miss him.
Thank you Slick!

Ellin Haab

January 4, 2017

I am so saddened to hear the news of Dr Vanarsdall's passing. You could not ask for a better orthodontist for the work he did with my children's smiles, but more importantly for his energy, smiles and great story telling he provided along the way. To us he truly cared about us and we felt the same about him. My daughter was three years old when he put an expander in her mouth. His wife Sandy, was his receptionist and she bought my daughter special gifts to make her feel better and not scared when she had to get an impression of her teeth. They both went above and beyond to develop a friendship and to educate us on his techniques and the benefit of expanding their mouths. None of it was easy at the time but they have great smiles. For many years it seemed we saw so much of Dr Vanarsdall. What I enjoyed hearing most was stories of his family, he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. I know how brokenhearted he was after Sandy passed away and he kept himself so busy with work. Every time someone compliments my daughter's smiles,she thinks of him fondly. God bless. Prayers to your family.

Kim Camp

January 4, 2017

Our hearts are broken after hearing the news of Dr. RLV's passing. He was a friend, mentor, Best Dentist ever, employer ( a long time ago :), and we will miss him. Thank you Delores for all you did for Dr. RLV, you are truly an angel. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. We loved him dearly. Kim, Rocky, Justine and Whitney

Cristiana De Paoli

January 4, 2017

My deepest condolences upon the passing of an outstanding and charismatic teacher who inspired his students for generations.

Ron Hochman

January 4, 2017

Dr Vanarsdall was an incredible person. I will never forget him.. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Paul Thomas

January 4, 2017

I'm stunned by the loss of a contemporary and good friend. What a talent and all around great guy. Safe journey to the other side, Slick.

Paul M Thomas

José Rafael Hernández Montoya

January 4, 2017

My condolences from a student and friend who appreciates and admires a lot as a human being.
God rest his soul. Rest in peace.

David Plessett

January 4, 2017

An absolutely incredible person. An admirer for over 45 years and a privilege to have known him

Clare Luzuriaga

January 4, 2017

We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Vanarsdall. He was a fabulous orthodontist to my children over many years, and we always enjoyed his upbeat and joyful approach and friendly manner, and, of course, his considerable expertise as an orthodontist. Our condolences to the the family.

...in a word, LEGEND!!

Salvatore P. DeRicco, D.D.S.

January 4, 2017

Dear Slick,

Thank you for taking me under your wing, and for having kept me there for 25 years...I thoroughly enjoyed playing "Dr. Watson" to your "Sherlock Holmes"!

Your brilliance, insight, foresight, and skills were surpassed by only your charisma, charm, enthusiasm, and sense of humor! After graduating, I began making the 250 mile weekly "pilgrimage" for what I anticipated being six months, but it turned into more than twenty years, without my ever having thought twice about it! You educated, inspired, energized, and entertained me, and for that I will be eternally grateful. My favorite comment to my patients is "I'm no genius, but I had the honor and privilege of studying and practicing with one for 25 years!" And my favorite reply - whenever you complimented my ideas, was "I learned from the BEST (i.e. YOU!)!!"

Now please hurry up and read the rest of these wonderful comments - Sandie is waiting for another dance - your favorite pastime! And please give her my best, and do the same for Barney, Mort, Henry, and Dan. And thank you for fighting "it" for so long, in order to have continued gracing us all with your presence - we are ALL better for having known you!

Love always,
Sal

January 4, 2017

Dear Vanarsdall family,
We are so sorry for your loss. The world has lost a great man. Slick did wonders for our two daughters and my wife. He will be sorely missed.
The Boylan Family of Plymouth Meeting

Stephen Collins

January 4, 2017

My children, Dan and Susanne Collins, were patients of Dr Vanarsdall. His novel methods definitely saved their smiles, and he was a wonderful, caring presence at all times. I particularly loved learning that his nickname was "Slick"; I couldn't imagine a more apt one. I always enjoyed and looked forward to my own interactions with him; he was one of the most memorable characters I've ever met - always engaging and fun to be around, and relentlessly upbeat and optimistic even during his cancer fight. We will all miss him, and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Socci Family

January 4, 2017

Dear Vanarsdall Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
We are so thankful to have known Dr. Vanarsdall. He was a wonderful man who took such great care of our family. May he rest in God's loving peace.

Wendy Aleman

January 4, 2017

We have known Dr. Vanarsdall for about 12 years now. Our family has fallen in love with his kindness, sense of humor and patience. We are all truly devastated to hear of his passing. In our lives, we are lucky if we make an impression on just one person - Dr. Vanarsall has made more than an impression on so many. He will be greatly missed. We are honored and blessed to have known him. I will smile though because I know now that GOD has the best Orthodontist on his team!

John Powell

January 4, 2017

If service to people is the true measure of a person, then Dr. Robert Lee VanArsdall, Jr. measures as a giant amongst mankind. He was a philosopher teacher doctor and friend whose absence leaves a hole in the world for countless people. You served your time with love, Slick, so you can stay in your new home in the sky with Sandie, you don't have to come back any more!

A poem for Slick

Truly, we are servants
Enamored of the Lord.

Providing service
In the name of the Lord.

Here to serve
At the pleasure of the Lord.

A life served with love,
Let's us go home to the Lord.

Thank you for everything Doctor VanArsdall, my family truly loved you.

January 3, 2017

Having had the privilege of working together for years, I experienced first hand the high regard Dr. V held for his patients and the integrity with which he treated them. His heart was always in his work and in caring for people; he truly exemplified the essence of our profession.

Tony Zakhem

January 3, 2017

I will Miss you Slick! i will always cherish the time we spent together traveling all over the world teaching Orthodontics. you taught me lot more about life and how to live it to its fullest. you are one of a kind, true gentleman.
RIP, your memories will be eternal.

Patricia ryzinski

January 3, 2017

It has been my pleasure to work with you DOC Love xo patricia

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Ted K

January 3, 2017

Dr. Vanarsdall was an innovating orthodontist, with a chair-side manner that will likely never be seen again.

Dr. Vanarsdall - every time I look upon my family's beautiful smiles, I think you for helping making them that much more beautiful. My God Bless you, and rest in peace.

James Amsterdam, DMD, MD

January 3, 2017

Well Slick, you and Mort are now together and busy treatment planning, no doubt. Rest in peace, and say high to "Dr. A"!You were a great friend and will be missed.

Sandy Lewis

January 3, 2017

When Slick saw the 7 patients we sent, it was like Christmas. His smile and care were simply beyond anything they'd experienced. He combined with Ray Fonseca with Helena Baillie, the violinist, and he came to her performances with Sandy, her head wrapped, at BargeMusic. Three of our grands flew in from Seattle for years, three more drove from Bedford. No one was better, nicer, or more caring. Slick Vanarsdall improved the lives of hundreds, never stopped working or smiling. Dolores loved him as much as we. Her care and his patients combined to extend his life. Slick Vanarsdall was the consumate physician. Goodness and genius passed on New Year's Day... blessings to his family - and to his memory. Slick was a friend... a rare man that made things better for everyone, up to his last day.

Cheryl Townsend

January 3, 2017

So sorry to hear this. Our profession has suffered a big loss. RIP "Slick". Dr. Cheryl Townsend

Robert Perlot

January 3, 2017

Dr. Vanarsdall,
You were not only a teacher of orthodontics but also a mentor in life. Guiding us in how we should conduct ourselves, treat others and most importantly our Families. That be personal or professional. You will be missed but we know you will be "strutting" hand in hand with our Creator and making Heaven a better place, peace be with you.

January 3, 2017

I will miss you Dr. Vanarsdall. A lovely man, always a true gentleman. Elaine

Stephen Tjoa

January 3, 2017

Dr V, you made such an impact on my life. Always caring and supporting others. I extend my deepest sympathy to your family.

Robin Estrella

January 2, 2017

He's at peace now!! prayers to all and love to all...

January 2, 2017

God Bless You Brother. We will meet again Some day.

Megan

January 2, 2017

Dr. Vanarsdall will be deeply missed. His legacy will live on in those who had the pleasure of working with and for him, and especially with his patients, who he cared for over the years. Rest easy, DR42.

Adrian Becker

January 2, 2017

We sparred with each other in our academic arena and agreed to disagree passionately yet with a wonderful feeling of camaraderie and respect for each other. I will miss him, but so too will the international orthodontic community.

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