Roy Marvin Vanderkallen

Roy VanderKallen October 28, 1954 – October 4, 2024

We are sad to announce the recent passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Roy VanderKallen. Roy was born on October 28, 1954 to Wilhelmus and Gertruida VanderKallen in Papua, New Guinea while his father was stationed there serving in the Dutch Royal Army. Roy was the 6th of their 12 children together. The family emigrated to the United States in 1957 in pursuit of the American dream and their names can be seen on Ellis Island.

Roy played football during both his high school and college years as a star running back. He went on to play in the semi-pros on the Orange Crush out of Ontario, California with his three brothers, Johnny, Francis, and Honnie.

After college, Roy found his calling as a police officer and went to serve the city of Corona Police Department in 1978, retiring as a well decorated Captain in 2004. His call to serve his community went far beyond his police work and lead to philanthropical service through membership in the Kiwanis. He also co-founded the Arc Angel Foundation, which later became Tommy’s Angels, and started the Roy and Melissa VanderKallen annual Scholarly Athlete scholarship at his former high school.

Aside from his family, travelling and cooking were his second loves. After retirement, Roy spent much of his time travelling the world with his wife, family and friends. He enjoyed taking the road less travelled and preferred to mingle with the locals on his adventures. He was an amazing cook and when home, often offered to cook for family and charity events.

On 10-4, in true police fashion, Captain Roy M. VanderKallen said his last over and out. He finished his shift here on Earth and went to fight bigger battles up above. Vandy, by which he was known to many, is survived by his wife, Melissa, children, Stephanie, Heidi, and Austin, his six grandchildren, Noah, Lennon, Makana, Sydney, Ember, and Korben, as well as eight of his eleven siblings, Francis, Alice, Shanette, Honnie, Margaret, Danny, Harold, and Stella.

In lieu of flowers send donations to Tommy's Angels in care of Brett Coleman/ Tommys.angels.2017@gmail.com