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Robert van der Heyden, 92, Stamford Athlete

STAMFORD, Conn. – Robert Lee “Buddy” van der Heyden, 92, a native of Stamford, died April 6. 

He was born July 22, 1919, in Stamford. He attended St. John’s Parochial School in Stamford and graduated from St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in 1937, with distinction in academics and athletics. 

Van der Heyden's life was spent in sports arenas, where he excelled as an athlete, as a sports official, umpire, sports writer, promoter and sports announcer on Stamford radio station WSTC. For over three decades, he was renowned as "the voice of local sports." 

During the early 1950s, van der Heyden traveled with Stamford's nationally recognized teams, including its Little League program. On his evening sports show on WSTC, van der Heyden interviewed both local and national sports personalities. He also served as master of ceremonies for many local events. 

His own participation in sports started when he captained the Bull's Head community baseball and basketball teams. As a community league football star, he played as running back. Van der Heyden also played ice hockey at Hoth's Pond in Stamford.

Prior to serving in the Marines during World War II, he played football for the Stamford Golden Bears. Van der Heyden served three years as an infantryman and received two Purple Hearts. Later in life, van der Heyden pursued his love of golf and established himself as a fierce competitor on the links.  

Van der Heyden was one of the earlier employees of the Perkin Elmer Corporation, when its plant was located on Hope Street in Stamford. He was later employed by Remington Rand and football legend Andy Robustelli and retired from United States Tobacco Company.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Louise; six children, Robert, William, Pamela, Theresa, Michael, Dante and his caregiver, Brian; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Derek Botticelli.  

A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Aloysius Church in New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery with full military honors. Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project

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