Roy VanVoorhis Sr., 75, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 03, 2015 at Vassar Brothers Hospital with his loving family at his side. He was born in Pleasant Valley, N.Y., the son of the late Ruth and Richard VanVoorhis. Roy met the "love of his life" at 14 yrs old and on January 31, 1959 married Judith A. Neville. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Dot and Bill Neville, who were a loving part of his life whom he considered also as his parents. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Roy at 20yrs old built their first home in Pleasant Valley where he and Judy started their family. In August of 1960 and 1966, Judy and Roy gave birth to sons Roy Jr. and Rodney. Later in life, they bought and renovated a home in Millbrook and turned the property into a small estate as he built his garage, sheds, a green house, pavilion and a two room cabana. Roy could usually be seen riding his tractor while maintaining the lawns and waving to the neighbors as they passed. Roy had the will and tenacity to overcome many health issues over the years, the first starting 40yrs ago when he won his battle with alcoholism by becoming a "Friend of Bill", this is when the real "Roy" came to view. Unfortunately, at 45yrs old, his medical struggles began with the first open-heart surgery and many more procedures to follow over the next 30yrs. He overcame them not only physically but mentally and possessed a great will to live a productive and fruitful life, which he certainly did. Roy and Judy traveled extensively with friends and family that included a visit to Mexico and Egypt. His biggest love was his family; he loved his sons so very much He doted on his grandchildren, Jordan, Rodney Jr., Samantha and MacKenzie, he was especially thrilled on the arrival of his first great granddaughter Abigail, one year ago. Many times he said, "I never thought that I would live to see grandchildren, let alone a great granddaughter." To them he will always be "Poppy". Roy was a proud and active member of Teamsters Local 445, Newburgh, N.Y. and retired after 35yrs of service. During his tenure he worked on many projects in and around Dutchess County, including roads and bridges we travel on a daily basis. He was appointed and became one of the most respected Shop Stewards in the Local. He firmly represented his men as well as the interests of the companies that employed them. Before retiring, Roy opened the opportunity of membership to both of his two sons and taught them the values of unionism, work ethic and brotherhood. After retirement, he enjoyed renting at the NJ Shore with his family for many years. They then purchased a winter home in Florida which they enjoyed for 8yrs. Roy and Judy made many friends in Florida. He loved fishing and the camaraderie of all. Later in life, Roy and Judy moved to Poughkeepsie. Roy started becoming a regular at Waryas Park on the Hudson River. There he became an affectionate member of "The River Rats", a jokingly self-proclaimed clan of guys who meet at the river each morning to talk, joke, argue and just enjoy each other's company. They even met during the winter months where they would park as close together as possible and try to talk through cracked windows. All who knew Roy liked him and will miss his strength, smile, joking ways, the value of friendship and his full head of hair. His family will always feel the emptiness in their hearts but will also be comforted by the love he shared and the many memories he left behind. Roy is survived by his only love, Judith VanVoorhis, his sons Roy VanVoorhis Jr. and wife Kimberly of Pleasant Valley, and Rodney VanVoorhis and wife Darleen of Bloomingburg. Grandchildren include Jordan VanVoorhis, Rodney VanVoorhis Jr. and fiancee Elaine Peterkin, Samantha VanVoorhis, MacKenzie VanVoorhis and Great Granddaughter Abigail VanVoorhis. Roy is also survived by his sisters Alice Field of Pleasant Valley and Margo Shackleton of Poughkeepsie, his brothers Richard VanVoorhis Jr. of Maryland, and Thomas VanVoorhis of California; numerous nieces and nephews and his special niece Darlene Moorhead, who was like a daughter. Roy was predeceased by his brothers Robert VanVoorhis, Charles VanVoorhis, and sisters Georgianna Brown and Marjorie Knapp. The family of Roy VanVoorhis would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to his cardiologist Sanjay Jha and the staff at Vassar Brothers Hospital and also the staff at Westchester Medical Center. Without them, Roy would certainly have been lost years ago. Thank you... Visitation will be Wednesday, September 09, 2015, from 2:00 - 4:00pm and 7:00 - 9:00pm at Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 11:00am from the funeral home. Interment of cremains will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Roy VanVoorhis to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.