Robert P. Van Zandt, Jr., 69, a long time resident of Galveston, Texas, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2014, in Sweeny, Texas from complications of pneumonia, after a long battle with Pick’s disease (a rare form of Dementia).

Robert grew up in Galveston and attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School, Ball High and Kirwin High Schools, where he was a stand-out athlete in football, baseball, golf and track. After high school, Robert moved to Port Bolivar to live and raise a family. He touched many lives through the years while coaching little league and pony league baseball, and leading the Catholic Youth Organization group at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church.

Robert was a devoted, confirmed member of the Catholic Church. He loved the outdoors and was an avid golfer and hunter. Above all, he was a great “Daddy” who dearly loved his children and grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his father, Robert P. Van Zandt, Sr. of Dial, Georgia, and mother, Ella Mae Van Zandt of Galveston, Texas.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Virginia and David Roberts of Galveston, Texas and Barbara and Eddie Mallia of Youngsville, Louisiana; daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Corey Smith of Montgomery, Texas and their children Kendal Carnley, Cameron Carnley, Zachary Smith and Jonah Smith; son, Robert S. Van Zandt of Montgomery, Texas and his daughter Kelsey Van Zandt; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Robert’s family will receive visitors beginning at 5:00 pm, Thursday, May 8th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home in Galveston with a rosary beginning at 6:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 am, Friday, May 9th, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Galveston. Graveside services will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston.

Robert’s family will deeply miss his “full-of-life” presence and great love for his children and grandchildren.