Robert “Bob” Vandervoort, former director of Pro-English and Citizens United died on January 9 after a valiant battle with colon cancer. He was 52.

The week before his untimely death, Bob was received into the Catholic Church.

Bob was a close friend of Samuel T. Francis, a supporter of Joe Sobran, and a great admirer of Patrick J. Buchanan.

Bob Vandervoort and Patrick J. Buchanan at A Tribute to Joe Sobran in 2009. Photo by Kevin Lamb.

Bob was born and raised in the Chicago. He earned a B.A. in International Relations at Boston University. He then worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative correspondent for Senator Phil Graham (R-TX) and later as a legislative project coordinator for Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) before starting law school at DePaul University in Chicago. After obtaining his J.D., he practiced family law for four years in Chicago through his firm, Perez and Vandervoort.

In 2010, Bob moved to Washington, D.C. to work for Citizens United and later ProEnglish. He also worked briefly for both Congressman Alexander X. Mooney (R-WV) and Maryland Delegate Neil Parrott before taking a job as legislative aid to Maryland State Senator Michael Hough.

After learning of his cancer diagnosis, he retired from his job in 2023 and moved to Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, to take care of his 89 year-old mother, Mary (aka Mimi) and to be near his 6-year old niece, Sophie, and brother-in law, Ariel Chavez. This was an important move for his family who were still mourning the passing of Bob’s father, George William Vandervoort in 2022, and Bob’s only sibling, Sally Elizabeth Chavez (1975-2019), who also died of cancer.

Kevin Lamb, one of Bob Vandervoort’s close friends, wrote about him in the January 21st edition of Chronicles magazine:

“Bob is perhaps best known for his tenure as executive director of ProEnglish, a position that he held from 2011 to 2016. He led successful efforts for states and localities to adopt ordinances making English the official language, including Frederick County, Maryland, in 2012 (the county has since repealed it). In 2012, under Bob’s stewardship, ProEnglish hosted a panel discussion on the ‘Failure of Multiculturalism’ at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

“Bob’s experience as a lawyer and political operative, along with his dedication to promoting the organization’s core issues, elevated ProEnglish’s public profile.

“His graciousness, camaraderie, and outgoing personal demeanor will forever remain in the hearts of family and friends.”

Friends and colleagues in the greater D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas are invited to attend a Requiem Mass for Bob Vandervoort on the 30th day after his death, Monday, February 9 at 11 a.m., at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 6420 Linway Terrace, McLean, VA 22101. A luncheon will follow the Mass.

Friends and colleagues in or near Chicago may attend Bob Vandervoort’s funeral Mass on January 31st at 11:30 a.m. (preceded by visitation at 10:30 a.m.) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1747 Lake Ave., Wilmette, IL 60901.

Here is one of Bob’s favorite quotes:

“I do not view the process of the future with any misgivings. I could not stop it if I wished; no one can stop it. Like the Mississippi, it just keeps rolling along. Let it roll. Let it roll on full flood, inexorable, irresistible, benignant, to broader land and better days.” — Winston Churchill

May Robert “Bob” Vandervoort rest in peace.

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