Robert S. VanDervort

1922 - 08

Robert S. VanDervort, 92, of Elyria, Ohio, died Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at Elyria Care, Elyria, Ohio. He was born Aug. 29, 1922, in Arnold, to the late Sidney K. and Margaret Achenne VanDervort. Robert graduated from Ken High School in 1940. He joined ROTC and attended medical school at Pitt University and became a medical doctor at the age of 23. Afterwards, he was stationed at the Army Base in Germany, where he attained the rank of captain. He started his medical career in New Kensington, then moved to Wilmington, Del., where he started an anesthesiology practice. Then he moved to Elyria, where he made his home for more than 50 years working at Elyria Hospital, eventually becoming chief of anesthesiology. In semiretirement, he started a pain clinic and operated it for a number of years. Robert enjoyed his home, his gardens and his books, as he was an avid reader. Survivors include his sons, Robert Clark VanDervort, of West Virginia, and Eric VanDervort, of Rhode Island; daughter, Daina VanDervort, of Ohio; grandson, Robert "Woody" VanDervort, of West Virginia; and his brother, Ronald J. VanDervort. He was predeceased by his former wife, Dolores "Doe" VanDervort; and sister, Norma Jean (Albert) Wiedl. Special thanks to Jeannette Brock, his caregiver, of Elyria, and Bill May, his driver and friend.