Robert L. VanGorder Jr., 50, of Plains, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 15, 2025, after a long and courageous health battle.
Rob’s life was centered around sharing the love of Jesus Christ with everyone he met. His heart for worship was evident as he sang passionately on the Cross Creek Community Church worship team, touching and encouraging many with his voice and deep faith. He had a true servant’s heart—always ready to lend a helping hand, offer to cook, fix what was broken, and do it with care and excellence.
Rob had a special gift for making others feel seen and loved, often using his sense of humor, warm smile, and joyful spirit to bring light into any room.
Rob loved music and was often found playing guitar or singing praises to the Lord. He was also deeply connected to God’s creation—spending many years working for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, where he found great joy in the outdoors. He loved sharing moments like eagle sightings, always giving glory to God for the beauty around him.
Rob served his community as a rural postal carrier, where he formed meaningful connections with the people on his route. Whether through his work, church, or everyday life, Rob consistently led others by example—pointing always to Jesus.
He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle VanGorder, and their beloved children: Nathanael, Chloe, Grace, and Hannah VanGorder, who will carry on his legacy of faith and love. He is also survived by his father, Robert L. VanGorder Sr. of Dallas, PA; and siblings: Matt VanGorder, Chris VanGorder, Alicen Cheshire (husband Reo), and Michelle VanGorder. Rob was preceded in death by his mother, Linda VanGorder.
He is also deeply loved by his in-laws, Anthony and Linda Perzia of Luzerne, PA, and will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and a large church family—brothers and sisters in Christ who walked with him in faith.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and the Compassus Hospice team in Wilkes-Barre for their incredible care and support.
A celebration of Rob’s life is expected to take place in the future, though the details are still being thoughtfully considered by the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Rob’s memory can be made to:
Cross Creek Community Church
370 Carverton Rd
Trucksville, PA 18708
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Insa Neuhof and family
Dear family of Robert F. VanGorder!
In this sad situation there are never the right words to say, but I will try.
I am a friend of Alicen and Reo, I heart from your loss and my heart is in sorrow.
From Germany me and my family send you our deepest sympathy.
I looked at the photo and thought, how joyful and sympathetic he must have been, he smiles like a sunbeam. It is a pity I can’t get to know him.
For everyone in your big family I hope, that you stand together and think a lot of him and carry the memory of him on and on.
I am really sorry.
Carol and Steve Russell
We are so blessed to have had Rob in our path sharing a close bond thru the ministry of Celebrate Recovery .He had such a powerful testimony and amazing gift of worship. Our love and prayers extended to Michelle, Chloe, Nathaniel, Grace, Hannah with Blessing to those who mourn for they shall be comforted! ❤️
Aprille (Covert) Higgins
Oh the sadness this news has brought. Much love and so many prayers to Rob’s family. Childhood memories of Rob will always fill my heart with happiness and I will never forget his beautiful singing voice. What an amazing gift. Rest peacefully Rob.
Mary Hozempa
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers. Hw was such a great guy, so many memories.
Venus Mcgrantham
Rob was a beautiful soul whom God loved so much. He was always helpful and he listened to people and offered help. He was always smiling . He was a great father and husband to Michelle and their children. Rob you will be missed so much by all here. God received a beautiful Angel.
Ken and Patti Morris
Oh what a joy it was to have known Rob, if only briefly. Hearing him singing in church, brought Heaven down to us , his love for the Lord was so encouraging. He left behind a beautiful family .
until we meet again, rest in peace with our Lord and Savior.
Bob Morgan
Sorry for the loss of such a special person.
Rob was my substitute mail carrier at the Dallas Post Office for a number of years.
I will always remember Rob’s outgoing personality and fantastic outlook on life.
May Rob’s memory forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Rob had an infectious sense of humor and was a friend to many. May Rob rest in peace as our memories of him become a treasure of our lives.
Nanette Armstrong
Robbie was my cousin. On the Calkins side of the family, he was the youngest grandchild and I was the oldest. I have memories of him singing silly songs as a child. “I have to get the tune in my head first,” he’d say as he pointed upwards before starting to sing. He was the ring-bearer in my wedding. He played the guitar and sang ‘Country Roads’ at my father’s memorial service– his Uncle Kim Calkins. May everyone smile when they remember him.