Bob Vanderwarker, 89-Year-Old Beloved Soccer Coach and Educator, Dies Peacefully in Harrisonburg, VA

Remembered as a passionate referee, coach, and mentor, Vanderwarker impacted generations of athletes and friends.

November 20, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on November 20, 2026

Bobby J. Van, formerly known as Robert (Bob) W. Vanderwarker Jr., of Harrisonburg, VA, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 17, 2026, at the age of 89.

He leaves behind a legacy of dedication to sports, education, and community.

Born on July 3, 1936, in Fort Edward, NY, to Beatrice and Robert W. Vanderwarker Sr., Bobby grew up in the Ticonderoga area alongside his younger siblings, Pete and Pam, affectionately known as “the 3 Musketeers.”

A standout multi-sport athlete, he graduated from Ticonderoga High School and was later inducted into its Sports Hall of Fame.

Bobby his undergraduate degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland, laying the foundation for a lifelong commitment to teaching and coaching.

Bobby’s love for sports defined his life. He taught and coached soccer at the Maritime College and Hofstra University, where he also coached baseball.

In 1970, he and his family moved to Virginia when he accepted a position at Madison College, later known as James Madison University (JMU).

He taught Physical Education and Kinesiology until his retirement in 2001.

As the Men’s Soccer head coach from 1970 to 1987, Bobby transformed a fledgling program into a dominant force.

Under his leadership, his teams won multiple Virginia State titles, and he became the first Madison College coach in any sport to lead a team to an NCAA Division I tournament bid.

Known affectionately as Coach V., he focused not only on athletic performance but also on shaping his students into better people and preparing them for life. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the JMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Beyond coaching, Bobby worked tirelessly with Harrisonburg’s recreation department to launch the city’s youth soccer program.

He officiated at every level, including college, professional, and international soccer matches, high school and NCAA basketball games, and Valley League baseball.

While his refereeing decisions often sparked debate, those who knew him cherished his fairness, dedication, and passion.

When he wasn’t coaching or refereeing, Bobby enjoyed spending time at local golf courses, often working in exchange for playing privileges.

He loved picking long-shot winners at horse racing tracks, particularly Saratoga.

He also traveled extensively and interacted with notable athletes—chauffeuring Jack Nicklaus after his first U.S. Open win, attending the 1974 World Cup in Germany, giving Sammy Sosa golf swing tips, and collecting signatures from stars like Cal Ripken and Alex Rodriguez.

Known for his warmth and spontaneity, he often showed up at friends’ doors, eager to share stories or extend his hospitality.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, his influential Aunt Bertha Drury VanCarpels (Aunt Bert), his daughter Debbie Turner, and his brother Pete Vanderwarker.

He is survived by his sister Pam Curtis and husband Cass of Granville, NY; his son Tim and wife Betsy Vanderwarker of Huddleston, VA; his daughter Laura and husband Mike Kerr of Jacksonville, FL; son-in-law Steve Turner and wife Ann of Harrisonburg, VA; nine grandchildren—Logan Taylor and wife Ann, Kasey Watkins and husband Thomas, Alex Taylor, Will and Cole Click, Afton Vanderwarker, Morgan Dindinger, Chandler and Cailyn Kerr; and six great-grandchildren—Mason Watkins, Maddox and Dakota McMillian, and Adeline, Everett, and Hazel Taylor.

No immediate services will be held. A celebration of Bobby Vanderwarker’s life is planned for spring 2026, allowing family, friends, and the community to honor a life devoted to sports, education, and the people he cherished.

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