Obituary of William Snyder

William "Bill" Snyder April 23, 1932 - 2025 William "Bill" Snyder, born April 23, 1932, on Van Hook Street in Camden, NJ, peacefully completed his remarkable life's journey at the age of 93. As the 12th child born to Edward Curtis Snyder and Anna Laura Sulivan Snyder, Bill's early years laid the foundation for a life defined by dedication, service, and unwavering love for his family. A standout athlete, Bill captained the Camden High School Basketball Team before graduating in 1950. His athletic prowess earned him a four-year basketball scholarship to Temple University, where he began his studies in September 1950. Answering the call to serve his country during the Korean War, Bill joined the United States Navy in May 1951. His commitment to education remained steadfast during his military service as he attended William & Mary (Annex in Norfolk, VA) while in the Navy, later returning to complete his degree at Temple University, graduating in June 1959. After bootcamp at Bainbridge, Maryland, Bill was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS WASP (CV, CVA, CVS-18). On April 26, 1952, he survived one of the worst peacetime Naval disasters in US Naval History when the USS WASP collided with the Destroyer Mine Sweeper USS HOBSON, DD456, which sank in just four minutes. This experience, like many others throughout his life, shaped his appreciation for each day as a precious gift. On May 16, 1953, while serving in the Navy, Bill married his high school sweetheart Dolores "Dolly" Leon. Their 52-year marriage, which lasted until Dolores' passing in 2005, was blessed with five children: Renee' Weber (deceased), Rochelle Snyder (partner Mike Forte), Rosalind Puszczykowski (husband Kenneth Puszczykowski), Raymond Snyder (wife Doreen Snyder), and Ryan Snyder. Bill's legacy continues through his grandchildren—Jason Capanna, Andrea Duarte (Juan Duarte), Joseph Puszczykowski (Jenna Malandra), Kyle Snyder, Corey Snyder, and Zachary Snyder—and his great-grandchildren: Anthony Capanna, Enzo Duarte, Marco Duarte, Donato Duarte, Joseph Domenic Puszczykowski, and Jaxson Puszczykowski. Throughout his 93 years, Bill wore many hats: son, brother to 14 siblings, uncle, nephew, father, grandfather, coach, mentor, and so much more. Known variously as Bill, Mr. Snyder, Snyte, or Pop, those who knew him understood one constant truth—if you called him, he would be there. A passionate sports enthusiast, Bill was a lifelong supporter of Philadelphia teams. He followed the Philadelphia Eagles from their very inception and rarely missed a 76ers or Phillies game. His keen analysis and coaching insights often left those around him wondering if he was secretly on the teams' payrolls. His passions extended beyond sports to gardening, fishing (accompanied by legendary fishing tales), and most importantly, attending his grandsons' games and celebrating life's moments—both grand and small—with his family. His presence at family gatherings, his wisdom, his stories, and his unwavering support created memories that will be cherished forever. Bill Snyder's life was not merely about the years in his life but the life in his years—93 years filled with love, service, resilience, and joy. While he will be deeply missed, the legacy he created lives on in the hearts all who knew him. Bill will be laid to rest beside his wife at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ on May 16th, which would have been their 72nd wedding anniversary bringing them together to rest in eternal peace after the funeral services which will be held at 11 AM at the Chapel on the cemetery grounds. A celebration of his remarkable life will follow at a later date to be determined.