Harold A Vanderploeg

Harold A. “Capt. Van” Vanderploeg, 92, of East Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in his home on February 26, 2026 surrounded by family. Born on January 24, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, to Harold A. and Gertrude L. (Smith) Vanderploeg, he grew up in Holland, Michigan. He was a respected ship Master and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who was known for his courage and dedication. He lived a life defined by devotion—to service, to the sea, and above all, to those he loved.

Capt. Van’s childhood in Holland shaped his lifelong connection to the water. He graduated from Holland High School before attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. His calling, however, soon led him to the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, where he studied from February 1953 to February 1957 as part of the Class of 1957A. During his four years at the Academy, he served on the Drill Team and rose to become Regimental Drill Master for two years, a role that reflected his natural leadership and unwavering discipline.

Even before Kings Point, Capt. Van had already begun carving his path at sea. He worked as a deckhand on 100 foot yachts out of Chicago and Miami, gaining early experience that would become the foundation of a remarkable maritime career. While at Kings Point, he spent months aboard merchant vessels, training in ports across the Caribbean, Far East, and Middle East—experiences that broadened his worldview and deepened his commitment to maritime service.

Capt. Van’s professional life was defined by excellence, courage, and a steadfast sense of duty. He served in both the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Navy Reserves, dedicating nearly five decades to the service of his country and the global maritime community.

From 1954 to 1967, he sailed with Moore McCormack Lines, rising through every deck rating from cadet to Captain. He served aboard both passenger and commercial vessels. He sailed on the SS Brasil from its maiden voyage in 1958 until 1965, and on the SS Argentina from 1965 to 1967. During this period, he also delivered supplies to Vietnam during the Vietnam War.

In 1967, Capt. Van transitioned ashore to serve as Port Captain for Moore McCormack Lines in Brooklyn, New York, a position he held for sixteen years after which he worked for U.S. Lines. His expertise, calm leadership, and deep operational knowledge made him an invaluable presence in one of the busiest maritime ports in the world.

After joining American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) in 1984, he served as Master of the Military Sealift Command Compsron 3 flagship, the M/V 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, from 1986 until his retirement in 2001 while stationed in Guam and Saipan. During this time, he was involved in several specialized missions supporting major U.S. military operations, including Desert Shield and Desert Storm aboard the Aviation Logistics Support ship SS Wright, and Restore Hope in Mogadishu, Somalia aboard the M/V Lummus. He returned to sea for his final voyage as Captain aboard the Cape Juby in 2002, closing a career marked by integrity, skill, and unwavering service.

Capt. Van’s life changed forever in January 1965 aboard the SS Brasil, when he met Hildegard Mader, who was sailing as a member of the steward department. They married in August 1966. Capt. Van soon came ashore to build a home and family for 52 years in Milltown, New Jersey before moving to East Brunswick. Their 60 year marriage stands as a testament to partnership, devotion, and shared adventure. Together, they raised two children, Donn and Tina, and later welcomed grandchildren.

Capt. Van is preceded in death by his parents and son -in-law, Robert Groom. He is survived by his beloved wife Hildegard; his children, Donn (Angela) and Tina; and his grandchildren Dylan, Connor, and Rylie.

Outside of his professional achievements, Capt. Van embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He enjoyed waterskiing, traveling, gardening, and reading. Whether tending a garden, relaxing in the sun, or exploring new places, he found joy in simple pleasures and shared them generously with his family.

Capt. Van’s life was defined by service—to his country, to the maritime community, and to his family. He was a man of discipline and humility, a leader who inspired confidence, and a husband and father whose love anchored his family through every season of life. His legacy lives on in the stories he shared, the voyages he completed, and the generations who carry his memory forward.

A Memorial Visitation for family and friends, will be held at The Crabiel Home for Funerals, 170 N. Main St.-at Riva Avenue, Milltown, NJ on Friday, March 13th, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You may sign the online condolence “guestbook” at www.crabiel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made online or by mail to the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC) in Newton, MA.