Robert A. Snyder, 88, of Forks Township, died Saturday, January 4, 2014 in Gracedale.
Born: August 31, 1925 in Easton, he was a son of the late Charles and Mabel (Troxell) Snyder.
Personal: His wife, the former Frances A. Wallace died in June, 2013. “Rigger” was a Merchant Marine during WWII, a smokejumper, an ironworker, and a superintendent at Pocono Raceway. He retired from Baker Chemical.
Survivors: A daughter, Bonny Kitson and her husband, Larry, of Forks Township; a son, Glen Snyder and his wife, Kelly, of Saylorsburg; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Three sisters and a brother died earlier.
Services: A visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Tuesday in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton. Services and interment will be private.
Memorial Contributions: National Smokejumper Association, c/o Chuck Sheley, 10 Judy Lane, Chico, CA 95926. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Sandra and Dave Rinehart
January 5, 2014 at 11:21 am
Uncle Bob was a one-of-a-kind hero….to his family, friends and country. His stories of the War, ironworking, and smokejumping were facinating. His love for his Duffy(s)…. endless. He was last of a generation for our Snyder/Troxell family. They are all missed. Growing old and losing family and friends is hard on everyone, but when you’ve been the youngest, brave, adventurous one, it must have been even harder for him….especially the loss of his beloved Fran.
I choose to remember the strong young uncle who amazed me with his strength and kindness….and will love that man forever.
Lisa & Kevin Vanbuskirk, Jr.
January 5, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Bonnie & Larry,
We just heard of the loss of your Father. We are so very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Lisa & Kevin
Mary Ann Barlow
January 6, 2014 at 9:08 am
Bonnie,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
My Deepest Sympahy,
Mary Ann Barlow
Ken & Betty Kitson
January 6, 2014 at 6:34 pm
Larry & Bonny, You know how very sorry we are. We are glad that we knew him, and Fran, too. We remember fun at the races and at the cabin in the woods. Lots of love, Mom & Dad K.
Tommy and Kathy Albert
January 7, 2014 at 4:33 pm
Bonny and Glen,
We want you to know what a pleasure it was to have met your father. We, who spent a summer or two or three on the Gobi were enriched beyond our wildest dreams. The adventure, the tradition, and most of all, the lifelong friendships we came away with. There are few left who smokejumped with your dad but it was such a pleasure for those of us who came later to have met Rigger. The sparkle in his eyes never left. You liked him from the get-go. How fun it would have been to have worked with him. We like to think he is now back to his old form; tough and agile, sharp and keen of mind, relishing his new adventure, and enjoying old fiends and comrades who preceded him. When you look up and see a sparkling star, who knows, it may be him winking at you.
Sincerely,
The boys from the Gobi