Jim Snyder, 90, of Wall Township, passed away on Tuesday evening at Meridian Nursing and Rehab in Brick after a long and faithful life. He was born in Yakima, WA, son of Jacob and Ellen Grace Snyder and brother of Vincent and Genevieve. He graduated from Marquette High School in Yakima in 1944.
Dad was a World War II veteran, enlisting in the Army after graduation. He served as an MP in Japan. Following the service, Jim attended Seton Hall University on the GI Bill.
Dad captured the heart of his neighbor, our lovely mom, the late Betty Lowther and they married on September 27, 1952 in East Orange, NJ. They raised 4 children together, settling in West Long Branch.
Dad enjoyed a long and successful sales career with Allstate Insurance Company. He took great pride in his work, always respectful and appreciative of his customers. Early in his career, he was also a Sayreville volunteer fireman. He was a communicant of Holy Trinity Church in Long Branch, ushering regularly at Mass, and later a parishioner at St. Jerome's Church in West Long Branch.
Dad will be missed by his children, Carol and Joe Costanzo, Jake Snyder, Juliann and Andy McHugh and Cheryl and Tom Lozowski; his grandchildren, Coley and Ali Costanzo and Erin Costanzo Burns and Chris Burns, Mary Claire, Andrew and Kelly McHugh and Sophie, Tommy and Joey Lozowski and his many nieces and nephews, especially Harry Orendorff.
We remember Dad as a big man with a big heart and a big voice. He loved to sing, play cards with the Comeaus and the DeVitos and visit Monmouth Park with his family in the summer.
We also remember the 4th of July barbeques; never winning in horseshoes, ping pong or pool when Dad was playing and always grateful for the summers spent at the beach club. We appreciate his faithfulness to his family and his love of animals.
Dad was known by friends and family for his honorable and ethical values, kindness, generosity, and the gift of making everyone feeling loved and appreciated.
A Funeral Mass celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday at 11 am at St. Jerome's Church in West Long Branch followed by burial at Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport.
In memory of Dad, donations may be made to the Holy Trinity All Stars, c/o Tom DiClemente, Holy Trinity Church, 380 Division Street, Long Branch, NJ 07740. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.