Robert J. Vanderhoff, 68, left us peacefully on Dec.1, 2015 at 9:11 pm, after a brave struggle with multiple myeloma. Jim was born April 2, 1947 in Manchester where he grew up and graduated from Howell Cheney Technical School. Drafted in 1969 he served in the US Army with the 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd of the 7th, Company B (Gary Owen) until 1971. He was a decorated veteran serving 11 months in Vietnam and Cambodia as a Combat Infantryman and Radio Operator. Jim gave his all after contracting agent orange dioxin poisoning while serving his country. Jim was a fabulous gardener, avid animal lover, a car and motorcycle enthusiast, and had a photographers' eye. Jim would help anyone in need. He is predeceased by his mother and father, Beatrice Marsden and Robert J. Vanderhoff Sr. and a sister Dorothy Tyler. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Donna Rae (Della Fera) Vanderhoff and their rescue cat Marie. He leaves behind the family of his sister Dorothy Tyler, a sister Roberta and husband Dave Pinette, a sister Mary Lou and husband Bill Theriault. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, and a special sister-In-law Sharon Ristau. The family wishes to thank a few people and organizations that made a difference. Thank you to the Smilow Cancer Care Teams of New Haven and Hartford with special thanks to Deb and nurse Diane. Thank you to the Cancer Care Team from the VA in West Haven and the VA in Newington and to Dr. James J. Matino. Special thanks to Roy Driver for his post Vietnam support, Anthony Wallace for his lasting comradery and Randy Stewart who shared Jim's passion for motorcycles. We would also like to thank Sister Joan Reilly for her wisdom and support. The John F. Tierney Funeral Home will oversee a private graveside service to be held at St James Cemetery.