Richard Lee (“Dick”) Snyder, age 95, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, nine days short of his 96th birthday.
Dick was the eldest child of Raymond and Esther (Winship) Snyder. He was born April 26th, 1928, in Buffalo, New York and spent his growing up years in the hamlet of Town Line, NY. Dick had one younger sister, Martha (“Marty”) Hess. As a child and teen, he enjoyed scouts, fishing, trapping, and spending time at his family’s cabin on Rushford Lake in New York. He earned an Eagle Scout badge as a teenager. Dick graduated from Alden High School in 1946.
Dick attended Michigan State College (now MSU), graduating with majors in physical education and history. Later, he attended the University of Michigan, receiving a master’s degree in School Administration. Dick began his career in education as a teacher in the New Hudson Elementary School in South Lyon, Michigan in the early 1950’s, followed by active duty in the air force for two years. He then returned to teaching including stints as a principal in South Lyon, Clare, and Ottawa Hills (Toledo, Ohio). He eventually held the position of Superintendent of Schools in both Clare and East Jackson, Michigan. Dick retired in 1984.
Dick also received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served in the military USAF Reserve, then was placed on active duty in the USAF as Adjutant in the 3690th Basic Military Training Squadron at Sampson Airforce Base (Geneva, New York). Dick remained on Reserve, transferring to the Retired Reserve with the rank of Major in 1969.
Dick met his future wife, Patricia Pierce, in 1947 when they both attended Michigan State College as undergraduate students. They married on September 11, 1952. Dick and Pat had three children together: Catherine (Jeff) Loeb; Gail (Jack) Wolfe; and Richard (Jane) Snyder. During their married years they lived in several places including Ithaca, New York; South Lyon, Michigan; Clare, Michigan; Toledo, Ohio and Jackson, Michigan. Of all these places, they spent the most time in Clare and considered it to be “home.”
In his spare time, Dick’s passions included fishing, gardening, being with his canine companions, watching sports with his son, spending time at his cabin on Rock Lake in Canada and playing with his growing numbers of grandchildren. In retirement, he took up photography as a hobby. Dick always had a keen interest in finances, finding it both challenging and a way to help care for his family. In his later years, he was of great assistance to his wife as her health declined. Dick was particularly proud of being the 150 millionth driver to cross the Mackinac Bridge in 2009. In his early 80’s, he was awarded the chance to climb to the top of one of the towers as part of a gift package he received.
In addition to his children, Dick leaves 9 grandchildren: Tricia Wolfe; Katie (Greg Wolff) Wolfe; Steven (Molly Epstein) Wolfe; Skylar (Shel Pomerantz) Wolfe; Jeremy (Naomi Ross) Loeb; Carolyn (Rob Rives) Loeb; Rebecca Loeb; Kate Snyder (fiancé Bryan Waters) and Jack Snyder (Cady Pendleton). He also leaves four great-grandchildren: Asa and Tsipora Wolfe; Cody and Arielle Ross-Loeb. In addition, Dick leaves his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Nate and Diane Pierce of Philadelphia, PA as well as two nephews and a niece. Dick was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Pierce Snyder; sister, Martha Hess; nephew, Lee Hess; niece, Tricia Beyers-Hess; brother-in-law, Howard Hess; and son-in-law, Dr Jack Wolfe; as well as his beloved dogs, Maggie and Sketch.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home. A visiting hour will begin at 10 AM, followed by the service at 11 AM with Rev. Ron Vredeveld officiating. Those who wish to view it remotely can do so on the Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home, Inc. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057026126752
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Richard and Patricia Snyder Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund are requested in their memory. Donations can be sent two ways. Either, directly to the Clare County Community Foundation, PO Box 391, Clare, MI 48617, or, to the following weblink https://www.midlandfoundation.org/give/ (if giving, please designate the contribution is specifically for the Richard and Patricia Snyder Memorial Scholarship Fund). The scholarship will benefit a deserving Clare student each year, helping them further their educational dreams.
On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com
