Richard L. Snyder

Thu, 03/07/2024 - 8:30am

Richard Lee Snyder passed away peacefully, on Feb. 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at Clover Health Care in Auburn, after living with dementia for quite a few years. He has left us with his humor, corny jokes, and a bright smile. 

Dick was born in Union City, Indiana on Oct. 10, 1937. He graduated from Union City Community High School and later graduated as a civil engineer from Purdue University in 1959. After college, he joined the Army and was stationed in Fort Mead, Maryland.

Dick married in 1965 and had two children. Dick started his own chemical pump sales business that he was very proud of, Snyder Processing Equipment Chemical Sales (S.P.E.C.S). He and his family lived in Montclair, New Jersey where he was the president of the New Jersey Chamber Music Society. Starting in 1977, they also spent their summers on Southport Island, Maine. He was the commodore of the Southport Yacht Club from 1988-1990 while the kids were sailing. 

After his divorce he moved from Montclair to Southport Island full time. It was here that he spent most of his later years in his beloved home in Newagen. He was the Southport representative for the Lincoln County Democrats, the president of the historical society, volunteered his time for the Rowgatta and the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, and always baked the best ham for special events. He took care of the older residents in Newagen when storms came and knocked out the power. He would drive around and get fires going and bring water if needed. They all shared a newspaper that he would go pick up and read and then pass it on to the next household! He’d always visit with a glass of wine and help finish the crossword. He truly loved his house and the life he built on Southport and always welcomed visitors with an open door. He traveled a lot throughout his life, both in the Army and with his wife, Meg. Later in 2001, he took his daughter Blair to Thailand.

He is survived by his daughter, Blair Snyder of Gloucester, Massachusetts; son Hugh Snyder, MD, and his wife, Caroline (Toman) Snyder; grandchildren, Brodie and Logan Snyder of South Orange, New Jersey; brother John Snyder of Indianapolis, Indiana; and ex-wife Margaret (Turner) Snyder of Verona, New Jersey; and many friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, David and Laurene Snyder; and his sister in-law, Janet Turner.

A service and burial will be arranged in August of 2024 on Southport Island.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home of Boothbay.  To share a memory or condolence with the Snyder family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.