Robert "Snorky" Snyder , VRHS Class of 1947
EAST GREENBUSH Robert K. Snyder Sr., 85, of East Greenbush, died Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at home after a long illness surrounded by his family. Robert was born in Albany to the late Clifford J. and Esther Coons Snyder. He played varsity baseball and basketball all four years at Van Rensselaer High School. Robert was an avid Yankees fan. He later attended Utica College, a branch of Syracuse University. He was a pitcher for the Rensselaer Twilight League and later the Albany Twilight League which earned him a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers that never worked out because five days later his Army reserve unit was called into active duty. He was a veteran of the Korean War where he drove an ambulance for three years. He retired in 1984 after 32 years of service as an installer for New York Telephone Co. and later for AT&T. He was a member of the Van Rensselaer Lodge F&AM and was also a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Robert was a direct descendant of the original homesteader of Snyder's Lake. Predeceased by his brother, Clifford Snyder. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Gloria (Coons) Snyder; cherished father of one daughter, Deborah G. Snyder; and two sons, Robert K. (Kerrie). Snyder Jr., Steven M.( Kimberly Burton) Snyder; proud grandfather of two grandchildren, Jeffrey R. Snyder and Meghan S. Snyder who he always said goodbye with "give me five tiger, it was good to see you." The family would like to thank Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, especially Jamie Borge and Dan O'Connell, and the American Cancer Society, especially Debbie Mastriani; neighbors, Terry and Joel Langlois; and Vanessa, Tori and Nicole from East Greenbush Denny's Restaurant for their service and visits. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2013 from St. Paul's Episcopal Church Chapel, Hackett Blvd., Albany. Contributions may be made to W.F. Bruen Rescue Squad, 1113 Red Mill Road, Rensselaer, NY 12144.