Edward Dunn Snyder
SNYDER: Edward Dunn Snyder, devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, passed away peacefully in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. He was two months shy of his 99th birthday. Born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on March 10, 1925, Ed was the dedicated son of Sophia and Jackson Snyder, brother to Helen Snyder Weinberg and Arthur Snyder. Ed proudly served in the United States Air Corps, sharing his memories of flying “the hump” during World War II. In 1954, Ed married the love of his life, Janet Barmak (d. Nov. 17, 2020), building a beautiful life together with their children, Carol and Kenny, first in Pittsburgh and later in South Florida for 66 remarkable years. Ed, a steadfast and loving husband, was proud of Janet’s teaching career and played the role of statistician, averaging grades almost nightly. Together Ed and Janet traveled the world, mostly by cruise, delighting in European destinations, always bringing back colorful art to memorialize their trip. Ed was a consummate “people person,” engaging in a long professional sales career in electronics and, later, women’s apparel. He regularly won awards and vacations for being the highest selling employee. Ed was charismatic, quick with a joke and endearing to everyone who crossed his path. It was impossible not to be enamored with his sparkling aquamarine eyes, his tall and broad stature, and his winning laugh. A true gentleman of an era past, Ed had a deep love of Frank Sinatra’s music — the American Songbook was the soundtrack of his life. He had a strong affinity for animals, especially cats, dogs and birds. Ed adored his orange outdoor cat named Butterscotch, his beloved pet in the 70s. Ed was a lifelong sports enthusiast until his final day and was a dedicated Pittsburgh Pirates, Panthers, Steelers and Penguins fan, even traveling with Janet to the Sun Belt to cheer on the Pitt Panthers. Ed was also an accomplished and natural-born athlete, excelling in every sport he played, from ping-pong to tennis to swimming, passing on this passion to his grandchildren. A scratch golfer, who learned to caddy as a young boy in Uniontown, he delighted in the game into his early 90s. Ed’s retirement in South Florida was filled with fabulous friends, golf, card games, family and sunshine. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Papap” or “Papa Ed.” Beloved by staff and residents in his retirement community, Morse Life, Ed found a true home in this supportive circle of friends over the past five years. He leaves behind a rich legacy of family and love and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Zichrono Livracha — May Ed’s memory be for a blessing. Ed is survived by his beloved daughter, Carol Niren (Neil Niren, M.D.), devoted son, Kenneth B. Snyder (Lisa Snyder), six grandchildren Leslie Niren, Lisa Niren, Ilana Snyder Gershon (Ori Gershon), Daniel Snyder, Andrew Snyder and Michael Snyder, and great-grandsons Liam Gershon and Kai Gershon. Graveside service and interment will be held on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at West View Cemetery of Rodef Shalom Congregation. A Zoom link for the service is available upon request; please contact Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. at 412.621.8282 for access. There will be a Zoom shiva minyan in the evening on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. To honor Ed’s life, contributions may be made to Rodef Shalom Congregation in Pittsburgh, rodefshalom.org/give. Arrangements entrusted to Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. schugar.com PJC
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