Richard L. Snyder

Richard L. Snyder York Richard L. Snyder, 90, of York, who was formerly of Manheim Township, York County, passed away after a brief illness on September 29, 2014. He enjoyed every day of his long and happy life, caring for his wife, step-daughters, family, and friends. He was the loving husband of Lavinia (Bette) E. Snyder, who died on Sun. Nov. 20, 2011. They were married on Sept. 28, 1968 and enjoyed 43 happy years together. Graveside service will be private, at the convenience of the family, at St. Jacob’s (Stone) UCC Church in Glenville, PA. The Geiple Funeral Home, Inc. 53 Main Street, Glen Rock is assisting the family. Born on a farm near Westminster, MD on Jan. 2, 1924, he was the only son of Elsie Mae (Deagan) and George W. Snyder. Upon the death of his father, his mother sold the farm, and they moved to Hanover, PA. He attended Eichelburger High School. After leaving school in 11th grade, he worked at a soda fountain in Hanover. When the US was bombed at Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served in the 502nd Gun Battalion during WWII and participated in 2 invasions - Leyte Island, Philippines in 1944 and Okinawa on Easter Sunday 1945. He was discharged from Fort Indiantown Gap in 1946, whereupon he returned home to Hanover, lived on Baltimore Street with his Mom, and worked at Weathervane Furniture Factory. While working at Wethervane, Richard met Bette, and they married at St. Jacob’s (Stone) Union Church. They lived across the street from Manheim Elementary School for 43 years in the old stone house. Upon closure of the factory, Richard worked as a custodian for South Western School District at Manheim Elementary for 19 years, retiring in 1989. He was a longtime member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Hanover. He also attended St. Jacob's (Stone) UCC Church of Glenville with his wife and family. Richard enjoyed fishing and boating, especially at Codorus State Park, woodworking projects, and his family. Gardening was a favorite hobby, especially raising large and numerous cantaloupes for sale. Last year, Richard was blessed to meet with two long lost relatives, grandchildren of his Mother’s older brother. They came to Hanover, expecting to gather facts and genealogy information about family, and instead they and Richard were pleased to meet in person. Richard was able to point out to them his family farm in Westminster MD, where his parents and grandparents were buried, and help them understand his youth. He is survived by two step-daughters, Lorelei and her husband Randy Rohrbaugh, and Barbara and her husband Bryan Blatt; two step-grandchildren, Grace Oellig and Christine Oellig. While he is gone from this earthly life, yet he will always be remembered for his love and care for his family. He is reunited in heaven with Bette and all his family and friends in happy eternity. Condolences may be shared at geiple.com