Mr. VanDerhoff was born Oct. 7, 1953, in Tenafly, N.J. After graduating from high school in Ramsey, N.J., he earned a bachelor ' s degree in 1975 from Jacksonville University in Florida. In 1980, he earned his juris doctorate at the University of San Diego School of Law. Specializing in real estate and corporate law as well as commercial litigation, he began his career with a firm in La Jolla. After practicing with a partner, he joined FNCO Corp., an owner and operator of community newspapers throughout the Midwest. Mr. VanDerhoff oversaw several mergers and acquisitions for the company as vice president and general counsel. Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Vicki; daughters, Katie VanDerhoff, 19, and Emily VanDerhoff, 16; son, David VanDerhoff, 19; sisters, Mimi Fait of Jacksonville, Fla., Jean Mastelone of Columbus, N.M., Pat Walsh of Pawtucket, R.I., and Cathy Miller of New York; and brothers, Jack VanDerhoff of Pageland, S.C., Jim VanDerhoff of Tokyo, Joe VanDerhoff of Richmond, Va., Bob VanDerhoff of Escondido, and Alan VanDerhoff of El Cajon.