Thomas B. Snyder

Essex

It is with sadness and love that we acknowledge the passing of Thomas B. Snyder 59 on Thursday May 10, 2012 at the Vermont Respite House in Williston, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on November 16, 1952 in Harrisburg, PA son of Stanley Snyder and the late Elizabeth (Ayre) Snyder.

He graduated from William M. Tennent High School in Warminster, PA in 1970 and enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he became a Quarter Master Signalman. His first major duty station was the USCG Cutter Alexander Hamilton, which was the flagship of the fleet and had just returned from Vietnam. He was honorably discharged on July 19th, 1976, having actively served four years and two years in the Reserves.

Tom received a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Pennsylvania State University at University Park in 1980 with a triple major in Architectural Engineering, Design, and Computer Aided Design. He interned for Pyros and Sanderson in Wilkes-Barre PA for three years while concurrently running his own design company, Thomas B. Snyder Design and Construction.

He then moved to Vermont and worked at IBM over 13 years doing facilities management and maintaining the CAD footprint and As-Builts at the IBM Essex site.

After leaving IBM, Tom became a Child Benefits Specialist with the Economic Family Services Division for the State of Vermont, Determining IV-Eligibility. He most recently was a Program Benefits Specialist for the State.

Tom loved the outdoors, hiking the many mountains in Vermont and other neighboring states, boating, and skiing with his family. Tom’s favorite thing to do was cooking in the kitchen creating many wonderful new dished and desserts that he shared with all.

He is survived by: his loving life partner of 20 years Jim Berns of Essex Jct.; two sons: John Berns-Snyder; Dylan Berns-Snyder both of Essex Jct.; his father Stanley Snyder of Leesville, SC; two brothers Robert Snyder of SC; William Snyder and his wife Michelle of Montpelier; a sister Linda S. Newton and her husband Sam Newton of Griffin, GA; Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was also predeceased by his brother Jim Snyder and his mother Elizabeth (Ayre) Snyder.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vermont Respite house in Williston Vermont for the love and care they gave to Tom.

A memorial service will be held on May 19th at 3:30pm at Essex Alliance Church with the Reverend Doctor Joe Moore officiating. A pot luck will be held after at the church so please bring a dish. Inurnment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Vermont Respite House, 99 Allen Brook Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are by A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.