Theodore C. Snyder

LOWVILLE-Theodore (Ted) Charles Snyder, of Lowville, NY, dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died May 2, 2018 at the age of 101. He had been residing at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility since July 2014.

He was born on March 16, 1917 in Copenhagen, New York, to the late Seymour and Mertie (Twitchell) Snyder. Ted attended Copenhagen School in Copenhagen, NY and, in 1934, began his career in carpentry, working in the Adirondack region at great hotels such as Bald Mountain House.

Ted enlisted in the Army at the beginning of WWII, attending Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Fort Benning, GA, where he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Cannon Company of the 109th Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division. In October 1943, he sailed on the Aquitania to the United Kingdom, where he met his wife Joan prior to being sent into the European Theatre. Ted and Joan married in Wales in May of 1944, prior to Ted’s departure into service in Normandy later that summer.

During WWII, Ted served as Platoon Leader, Forward Observer and Unit Commander in battles such as St. Lo, the Siegfried Line, the Colmar Pocket, Huertgen Forest and the Ardennes Offensive/Battle of the Bulge. For his role in the Battle of the Bulge and other battles, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for gallantry and heroism, the Purple Heart, and his most cherished personal award--the Combat Infantryman Badge. His regiment was also awarded the Croix de Guerre by Charles De Gaulle for their role in Colmar.

After the war, Ted and Joan returned to northern NY, raising their family in West Martinsburg, and later in Lowville on East State Street. Ted built a successful carpentry business, and remained active in the Army Reserves, serving as commander of the Camp Drum Military Policy, until finally retiring from the Army in 1977 with the rank of Major. Ted built his last house at age 71, evolving his craft to then build custom cabinetry.

To say he was an avid fisherman is an understatement. Whether heading to his “special” fishing spots on Tug Hill, or taking longer trips to Canada, his fishing truly was a favorite pastime – until golf came into his life. Ted and his wife Joan both loved to play golf with good friends and with family, and he continued to play into his 90’s. He was even known to build custom golf clubs for family and friends in his 80’s.

Ted is survived by his three daughters: Patricia Snyder Falton of Bellwood, NY, Paula L. (George) Pontolillo of Mineola, NY, and Denise K. (Michael) Pierce of Zionsville, IN; sister Ruth Yancey of Denmark, NY, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by Joan, his wife of 69 years, in October 2013. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Snyder and sister Virginia Beecher.

Calling hours will be on Monday, May 14 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Iseneker Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3:30pm on Tuesday, May 15 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lowville, with Rev. Ed Murphy officiating.  Burial with Military honors will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Copenhagen.

Memorial donations can be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, 5411 Trinity Ave., Lowville, NY 13367 or to a charity of your choice.

The family has such deep appreciation for Dr. Daniel Root and the staff at the Residential Healthcare Facility, who provided such a level of care and support, and to all the friends who consistently connected with Ted. All created meaning for Ted and gave him the opportunity to thrive and actively participate in his final years.

His life was only enhanced by the lives he touched and those that touched his life. He will be sorely missed by all.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com .

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