Peter G. Snyder

Peter George Snyder, 63

TROY - Peter George Snyder was born in Auburn, NY, on October 29th, 1946, and died suddenly on Lake George on June 9th. He was 63.

Pete was an alumnus of Notre Dame High School in Elmira and graduated from St. John Fisher College in 1968 with a degree in English. He received an M.A. in Counseling and Student Personnel Administration from SUNY Brockport in 1972. For a time at St. John Fisher Pete was also a Catholic seminarian.

While a student in Rochester Pete met Marguerite Lenihan. The couple was married in Yorktown Heights on July 15th, 1972. Pete and Margie moved to Troy in 1973, where the couple bought and rehabilitated a historic Sears & Roebuck home. Margie passed away in 2005.

Pete worked at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for thirty four years. He served as the Director of Residence Life for over twenty years. During his tenure Pete increased the relationship between education and Residence Life, and initiated a program that invited faculty into student housing. Under his stewardship the Office of Residence Life evolved to enrich the student experience at Rensselaer.

Pete was active in the Democratic Party, and he served as the president of Armory Little League for five years. He also served on the Troy City School Board from 1991 to 94, and he was head of the Finance Committee.

Pete and Bonita Hagan, a longtime family friend, surprised their family and friends when they were married at a Super Bowl party on February 7th, 2010. Although their time together was brief, the couple lived every moment in love and laughter. They planned to spend their summer on Lake George.

Many knew Pete for his loyal friendship, his sense of humor, and lightening quick wit. Pete inherited an insatiable appetite for books from his mother; he inherited a love of woodworking from his father. Next to his chair well-read copies of The Handbook of Epictetus, the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, and books on American history were found. At the time of his death Pete was also building an eighteen foot wooden kayak that was nearly finished.

Pete is survived by his wife, Bonita Hagan, and his son Timothy of Hicksville, his wife Tracey, and their children Daniel and Katharine. He is also survived by his son James, and his wife Krista, of Millbrook. In addition, he is survived by his brother, James, and his wife Dorene, of Elmira; his sister, Mary Margaret, and her partner Jane Feisthamel, of Richfield Springs; and Elizabeth Anne of South Carolina. Pete was pre-deceased by his wife, Marguerite, and his parents, George and Mary Snyder.

A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, at the Chapel and Cultural Center, University Parish of Christ Son of Justice, 2115 Burdett Ave., Troy. Calling hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, at Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Ave., Troy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pete Snyder Memorial Fund at Rensselaer. This fund will provide resources for the education and development of Resident Assistants at the school. Donations can be sent to the Heffner Alumni House, 1301 Peoples Ave., Troy, NY. For a private family guest book and service directions, visit www.brycefh.com.

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