John Warren Vanderveen's Obituary
John Warren "Jack" Vanderveen was born on December 2, 1933, in Mt. Vernon, New York, to Warren and Pauline (Palmieri) Vanderveen. Early in life, he moved to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where he was lovingly raised by his grandmother. Working full time, she believed Jack would benefit from more structure and enrolled him in a Catholic orphanage-a decision that instilled in him discipline, independence, and the value of hard work.
While there, Jack took on a paper route, and even as a young boy, his determination was unmistakable. One morning, despite sharp stomach pain, he completed every delivery before asking the last customer to call for help-only to learn that his appendix had burst. That resilience and sense of responsibility would define him for the rest of his life.
Jack's turning point came during his senior year of high school, when something inside him shifted. He began to apply himself completely-pouring his energy into learning, setting goals, and pushing himself toward excellence. After graduation, he moved to Buffalo and briefly worked in an automobile factory before being drafted into the United States Army. Stationed in England, he served for two years before being discharged. He remembered being in Paris at Easter and spending time with other visitors & travelers in a bar exchanging stories all night because none of them had a room.
Thanks to the GI Bill, Jack attended the University of Nebraska, determined to make the most of the opportunity. Without a car-and not owning one until the age of 30-his only transportation was by foot. Through Nebraska's cold winters and blistering summers, he walked everywhere he needed to go, a true reflection of his unwavering commitment to his education. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Chemical Engineering at the University of Nebraska, and went on to complete his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota.
Jack began his professional career with Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where his intellect and work ethic led him to earn an extraordinary 33 patents over the course of his career. His innovative thinking and problem-solving skills left an enduring mark on the engineers he worked with.
He married the love of his life, Helen Beal, and together they built an interesting, productive and fun-filled life raising their two sons, Jim and Bill. Deeply rooted in the Bartlesville community, Jack and Helen were instrumental in organizing Concern-a cooperative of thirteen local churches that provided childcare for working mothers and helped seniors with home repairs. Jack also gave back by coaching Little League and volunteering with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), where he even taught tax preparation classes.
Known for his quick wit, Jack was a man who found joy in humor and shared it daily. Helen lovingly recalled that he was "fun to live with" and that he "never told her no"-perhaps one of the secrets to his nearly 92 years of life and their happy marriage.
Jack lived each day with curiosity and courage. He found quiet satisfaction in tending to his garden and embraced adventure in snow skiing, motorcycling, and travel. John and Helen enjoyed traveling even though while riding on a bus in Egypt an accident occurred, where six out of thirty-nine passengers died. (Helen had three stitches over her eye and Jack had two breaks in his jaw and had five teeth that needed replaced. Yes, he still talked with his jaw wired shut.) Through every season of life, he remained steadfastly positive and engaged with the world around him.
Jack passed from this life on November 8, 2025, at the age of 91. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen; sons Jim (Lori) Vanderveen and Bill (Laura) Vanderveen; grandchildren Max, Josh, and John Vanderveen, and Jennifer (Martin) Jauregui; and great-grandchildren Erika, Ashley, Christian, Aaron, and Jasper. He is also survived by his sister, Gail Gariety, of Kansas City.
Jack's life was one of perseverance, intellect, humor, and love-a remarkable journey defined by hard work, humility, and a sense of adventure that continues to inspire all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, 2025 at The Church of the Madalene
3188 East 22nd Street, Tulsa, OK 74114.
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