Judge Robert Van der Voort was born in Crafton, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on April 15, 1909. He attended Guilford College for his bachelor’s degree and received a master’s degree from Haverford College. Judge Van der Voort received his law degree from the University of Pittsburgh Law School and began his career as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County.
Judge Van der Voort served in the Pacific during World War II, ultimately becoming a commander in the U.S. Navy. He returned to the legal profession and became a senior partner at the firm of Van der Voort, Royston, Robb, & Leonard. He also served as the president of the Allegheny County Bar Association.
Judge Van der Voort joined the bench in 1959, when he was appointed to the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas. While in this position, he served in the Orphan’s Court, the Civil Division, and as administrative judge of the Criminal Division. Additionally, he was a member of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Procedure Rules Committee. In the fall of 1973, Judge Van der Voort was elected to the Superior Court. He became a senior judge in 1979 upon reaching mandatory retirement age, then continued to serve the court for another five years. Judge Van der Voort passed away on November 24, 1993, at the age of 84.