Gerald E. Snyder, 81, of Williamstown, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Born in Leck Kill, May 7, 1939, a son of the late Lawrence and Catherine Hinkel Snyder. Gerald was a graduate of Mahanoy Joint High School and attended Bloomsburg University. He was a United States Air Force Veteran and played in the Air Force Band.
Gerald was previously a band director/teacher at Tri-Valley, Blue Mountain and Williams Valley School Districts.
He and his wife were the retired owners of the former Karpet Korner in Lykens, a business they operated for over 35 years.
He was a member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown, Williamstown American Legion, Williamstown VFW and the Williamstown Liberty Hose Company #1, where he served with the fire police.
Gerald played in the Larry Koch band on weekends in his early married years. He was a kind and generous man that always tried to help someone in need, by lending a hand or giving them a job. He always rooted for the underdog, even while watching sports. Gerald wanted to connect with people, he always wanted to know where someone lived and how they made a living. When asked if he could be anyone in the world, he answered that he didnβt want to be anyone else. He loved his life, his family, and he was happy being himself.
Gerald and Joan had a great passion for traveling and enjoyed trips all over the world, something they instilled in their family, to explore the world. He enjoyed going to the horse track and formerly owned a race horse. He could often be found listening to music and watching sports. He was extremely proud of his family, especially his two granddaughters, who brought him great joy every day.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Gerald J. Snyder; a brother, Leon Snyder; two sisters, Arlene Snyder and Lorraine Martz.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Joan Klemick Snyder; two daughters, Christine M. Schumber (Eric), Halifax and Susan K. Ziegler (Steve), Williamstown; two granddaughters, Francesca and Isabella Ziegler; two step-grandchildren, Lauren and Zachary Schumber; a sister Carol Miller, Lebanon, two brothers; Randy and Larry Snyder, both of Pitman. Nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Thursday, March 25th at 11:00 am from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Williamstown, with Rev. Michael Opaki as celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, c/o Parish Office, 732 Main Street, Lykens, PA 17048.
Thank you to Premier at Susquehanna, Millersburg for all of the loving care that was given to Gerald during the past few weeks of his life. The staff went above and beyond to support Gerald and his family.
The Dimon Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send condolences to the family visit www.dimonfuneralhome.com
- Go toΒ Schuylkill County Obituaries
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