Melvin R. “Dick” Snyder

Melvin R. “Dick” Snyder, 83, of Muncy, died Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008, at home.

Born Oct. 4, 1925, in Orangeville, he was a son of the late Syrles and Blanche (Witmer) Snyder.

On Oct. 15, 1964, he married his wife of 44 years, the former Nettie Novone.

At age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 257th Combat Engineers 7th Army, stationed in the European Theater during World War II. A combat engineer demolition specialist, he was in Dachau when the concentration camp was liberated.

For 45 years, he worked for the former Walds in Montgomery, which later became Prismo Company and is now Linear Dynamics.

Mr. Snyder was very active in the Edward Smith Post 3428 V.F.W., Muncy, serving three terms as commander and was also a past president. He faithfully represented the post by marching in almost every parade with the V.F.W.

He and his wife hosted many pig roasts for their family and friends, starting in the morning and lasting into the late evening. They also loved to go square dancing together. He possessed a talent for wood making and crafted several items for his wife and family. Before becoming sick, he was an avid hunter, making several trips to Colorado, and in addition, he enjoyed fishing. He raised deer and at one time counted 45 deer in his possession. An outdoorsman, he could often be found tending to his garden. Mr. Snyder was also known for his good winemaking abilities. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, and especially on Christmas Eve.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Mel (Wendy) Snyder, Jr., Donna (Gary) Hoy and Judy (Jim) Whitmoyer, all of Muncy, Charles “Jay” (Sharon) Swisher of Unityville, Donna Lee Keiser (Jim Benett) of Milton and Sandy (Frank) Tranor of Benton; two brothers, Ken Snyder of Exchange and Harold “Bud” Snyder of Florida; one sister, Norma Snyder of Hughesville; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons.

He was predeceased by seven brothers, Walter, Don, Lee, Jack, Bill, Lawrence and Herb Snyder, and three sisters, Josephine VanKirk, Mildred Hess and Beatrice Holmes.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Nov. 20, at Grenoble’s, 121 S. Main St., Muncy, where the funeral will be held at noon, officiated by Pastor Paul Dauenbaugh of Jerseytown United Methodist Church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Muncy Cemetery.

The family will provide the flowers and suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association, 1704 Warren Ave., Williamsport, PA 17701.

www.grenoblefuneralhome.com