Robert Vandervoort

With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Robert (Bob) Matthew Vandervoort, age 52 of Wilmette, IL on January 9th, 2026, after fighting colon cancer for several years.

Bob, beloved son of the late George and survived by his mother Mary "Mimi" Vandervoort, née McDonald, in Chicago, IL in 1973. Predeceased by younger sister Sally Chavez, née Vandervoort.

Bob was born and raised for a time in Chicago, Illinois. At an early age his family moved to Wilmette. There Bob attended elementary school. He then attended New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL, graduating in 1991. He began his studies at Boston University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a degree in History, graduating in 1995. Bob continued his studies attaining a Juris Doctor of Law in 2005 from Depaul University.

Upon completion of his studies, Bob worked as an attorney in Chicago primarily in Family Law. His most impactful positions were moving to D.C. and working for former Senator Michael J. Hough of Maryland and congressman Alexander X. Mooney of West Virginia. There he was dedicated to his career in political research, as well being actively involved in many Republican political campaigns.

Bob was a voracious reader. His literary interests varied greatly, providing him immense knowledge on many topics ranging from public policy, politics, and world history, current events, and religion. Bob enjoyed debating and public speaking.

He learned to play piano as a child. He enjoyed listening to music ranging from The Beatles, Beach Boys, ELO and to classical music. Bob loved watching the Chicago television films hosted by Son of Svengoolie. He read and collected comic books like Archie and DC superhero comics as a child with his sister Sally. Bob began collecting comics for his niece, Sophie, carrying on the tradition. Bob loved animals and was especially fond of cats. Bob also enjoyed bike riding and skiing. He fondly shared about his trip to Ireland exploring his ancestral connections of his maternal family heritage.

Bob was a lifelong fan of Chicago sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and the Chicago Blackhawks. He was enthusiastic cheering on his alma mater DePaul University Basketball. He found joy watching and following Big Ten Conference Teams Northwestern University and the University of Illinois basketball and football.

Bob was a patriot who cared deeply about the future of our great nation, and he devoted much of his life to service, not just words but actively working with elected officials and serving policy focused nonprofits. Three years ago, Bob returned to Wilmette, Illinois from Washington D.C. to take care of his elderly mother, a reflection of his selflessness. Returning to his hometown enabled Bob to reconnect with old friends and bond with his young niece Sophie.

Over the past few years Bob enjoyed attending his niece Sophie's Catholic religious sacraments and going to mass with family. Although he was raised Presbyterian, Bob grew increasingly interested in Catholicism towards the end. He began attending functions and mass as well as taking classes of the Order of Christian Initiation at St Joseph Catholic Church in Wilmette. Bob befriended and was mentored into the Catholic faith by pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Fr. Wayne Watts. During his last days, Bob received his sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Faith.

Bob is survived by his mother, Mimi, brother-in-law, Ariel Chavez (Sally) and his niece Sophie Chavez, in-laws, loving cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Bob will be laid to rest by his paternal grandparents and sister, Sally, at the Lake Forest Cemetery.