Isaac “Tinker” Van Vliet Jr., a retired truck driver and all-around handyman, has passed away on July 16, 2021 from a 4-year battle with renal cell carcinoma. He passed away at his home in Spring Hill, Florida, surrounded by family.
Isaac is survived by his wife Margaret “Peggy” Van Vliet; his children, Todd Van Vliet and wife Ana, Terri Starr and husband Steve, Peggy Hewitt and husband Mark, Liane Reynolds, Robert Van Vliet, Maureen Reynolds, Daniel Reynolds and wife Alicia, and Nova Van Vliet. He has fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. His brother-in-law, Donald M. Carroll, was his closest friend.
Isaac was born on November 30, 1950 to Isaac and Beatrice Van Vliet in Ellenville, NY. He was raised in New York and earned the nickname “Tinker” from two years of age and was known as such to everyone who knows him intimately. He was always busy and always “tinkering” with some task or another. There was always enough time and energy for a prank and a joke. He spent his younger years traveling, landing in California, Louisiana, and Florida. He worked in construction and was an expert concrete layer and later drove cement mixers for various companies. Isaac was married four times and loved wholly and fully. He was a lover and provider for his children. Isaac met Peggy through his daughter, Terri, and they were married on a dinner cruise on July 17, 1999. Their children were their bridesmaids and groomsmen. The theme of their love has been, “Today, I married my best friend.” Tinker never hesitated in loving and caring for their blended family and loved his inherited children as his own. Isaac and Peggy had the opportunity to adopt their youngest daughter, Nova, on January 28, 2016, a gift that was 9 years in the making. Isaac lived and loved passionately, taking on the role of Mr. Mom upon his retirement. He and Peggy would have celebrated twenty-two years of marriage on July 17, 2021, one day after his passing. Isaac was a man of faith and is resting peacefully with the Lord, meeting his loved ones who passed before him and awaiting the return of his surviving loved ones to his side in the future.
A viewing is scheduled for July 22, 2021 from 6pm to 8pm at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home located at 9944 Hudson Ave, Hudson, FL 34667. Service will begin at 7:30pm. Pastor Daniel Day from First Assembly of God in New Port Richey will officiate.
Cindy Fantauzzo
July 19, 2021, 5:12 pm
Dear Peggy,
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything to make this difficult time a little easier, we are here for you.
Cindy Fantauzzo
Stenographic Reporters
James Vincent Pierce
July 19, 2021, 5:59 pm
Dear Peggy and family,
You and family are in our thoughts and prayers for peace and comfort. May your precious memories of Isaac provide you encouragement. God bless!
Jim & Charmaine Pierce
dyne
July 19, 2021, 6:05 pm
Thoughts and prayers sent to you & your family. May the good memories carry your heart to a safe spot to heal.
Pam
July 20, 2021, 11:11 am
Thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family. May God wrap his arms around you for peace and comfort now and through the days ahead.
Michele Emmerman
July 20, 2021, 1:37 pm
Peggy,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Michele
Toni Kowalick
July 20, 2021, 7:16 pm
Nova
Everyone is thinking about you at this sad time. We are here for you. We are sorry.
Marty Deenihan
July 20, 2021, 7:28 pm
Dear the Florida Crew,,
I hate to hear of Uncle Tink’s passing but am glad to know he was with his loved ones when he made his last journey. Although he is gone as of now he has left lasting marks on everyone whom he ever encountered and you will see him in those little moments all the time. Mourn his death for certain, but never forget to also celebrate his life.
Sincerely, Marty
Todd Vanvliet
July 20, 2021, 7:38 pm
Dad you will be missed dearly by many i know your are pain free and getting to see old friends and family. May god bless your soul I Love and miss you!
Maureen Carroll Gilligan
July 21, 2021, 1:32 pm
Tink will be missed by many and me especially. I was very fortunate to come spend some time with him in May and was enthralled as usual, by his cheerfulness, corny jokes and general optimism about life. His cancer tried to suppress his life force and did so only with a fight. I feel blessed to have known him and comforted that my Peg had such a fierce, loyal and loving life companion. He will be missed and remembered by all of us who have known
Forever your daughter terri
July 21, 2021, 10:13 pm
Dad I miss you already I’m so thankful for our last conversations we had I will cherish them forever I love you and I know you are up there with family and friends laughing and watching over all of us rip and I’m so glad you are out of pain.
Colleen Carroll
July 22, 2021, 5:57 pm
Who is Tinker to me? He provided my sister, Peg, 22 years of a marriage that stood up to destructive forces. Tink rescued the fur babies, Maggie & Molly from the kill shelter. He made my bro, Don, his bro. Tink, the Dad, showed up and lives in Nova and ALL origin and inherited kids. I am one of the many who saw Tink as a great man. Lovable and endearing. You will be missed. Save us a seat at the table and by the throne. Well Done Tink.
Mike and Deana Myrick
July 22, 2021, 7:55 pm
Van Vliet Family,
Our hearts are heavy for your loss and pray for the Lords comfort with the day to day changes ahead. Ike’s friendship and laughter will remain in our hearts for many years to come. If there is anything you need please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Ike ~No more pain, fighting or fear…. tinker away my friend 🙂