William (Bill) J. Snyder, 80 a long-time resident of Swanzey and formerly of Arizona died on Thursday, March 30, 2017. He passed peacefully in the comfort of his home with his wife and children near.
William was born the son of the late Anna E. (Curry) and Fred W. Snyder on May 9, 1936 in Flagstaff, AZ. He was educated in schools in Arizona, Arkansas and Wyoming finishing at Flagstaff High School in Flagstaff, AZ in 1953.
Bill was a patriotic soul. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953. He served the Marine Corps with honor and distinction until 1963. He went into the U.S. Army in 1973 where he served until retirement in 1993. He was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Four Good Conduct Medals, (USA) Three Good Conduct Medals, (USMC) Three National Defense Service Awards, Two Armed Forces Reserve Medals, Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Professional Development Ribbon, Three Army Service Ribbons and the Driver and Mechanical Badge. He was deployed and transferred to various stations around the world. Bill retired honorably at the rank of Master Sergeant, E-8 after thirty years of loyal service to his country.
From 1963 to 1973 He spent 10 years with Continental Bus Co first a driver with over one million accident free miles then as the manager of the Los Angeles Shop.
On December 17, 1955, he exchanged vows with Ruth C. Fern at the Church of the Epiphany in Flagstaff, AZ. They were married with family and friends in attendance and had been married for sixty-one years.
After retirement from the military the Snyders decided to make Swanzey their home. Bill was not one to sit idle. He accepted a position with the North Swanzey Fire and Water Precinct as the Superintendent. He worked for the precinct for twenty years until he retired in 2013. Bill was a long-time member of the St. James Episcopal Church in Keene. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Time was spent in his flower gardens. He was always up for traveling, especially if it was to see his children and grandchildren. Bill was civically minded. He was a member of the American Legion and the Lions Club in Keene. He was active with Boy Scout Troop 298 in Swanzey serving as Scout Master for part of the time.
Mr. Snyder is survived by his wife Ruth C. Snyder of Swanzey. His children; Kathleen S. Ainsworth and her husband Clarence of Junction City KS. Debra A. McAllister and her husband Curtis of Larned, KS. Robert W. Snyder of Wilsonville, OR and James C. Snyder of Sullivan. His nine grandchildren; Jerry, Amy, Jennifer, Gregg, Tony, Tianna, Lindsie, Joe and Tannah. In addition, Bill leaves; ten great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is pre-deceased by his siblings; Charles Snyder and Anna Margaret Cox who passed earlier.
In keeping with Bills wishes there are no calling hours. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 1pm. in the St. James Episcopal Church with burial to take place in the church columbarium, 44 West St. Keene, NH. 03431. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of William J. Snyder to Project KidSight, C/O Keene Lions Club, P.O. Box 62, Keene, NH. 03431. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com.
