Thomas (Tom) Harold Snyder, a lifetime resident of Callicoon, New York, passed away peacefully on August 29th. Tom was 89.

Tom was predeceased by his wife of 58 years (Lorraine Claire Young Snyder) in 2014, by his life partner of many years (Ruth Freidenstine Kilroy) in 2025 and his sister Helen Klinger in 2022. Tom was a loving father (and father-in-law) to Kathleen Reynolds, Shelly Snyder (Jim Chastain), Jay Snyder (late Paul Walker) and Joe Snyder (Jeanne Snyder). Tom was a loving and much-loved grandfather to Alexandra Snyder of Oneonta, NY, Jeff Chastain of NYC, Tyler Hector of Beach Lake, PA and Cody Hector of Equinunk, PA, Alexander Russell-Walker (Brooklyn, NY) and Christopher Russell-Walker (Somerville, MA).

Tom was born in Callicoon, NY to Helen (Gestal) and Harold Snyder, where he graduated from Delaware Valley Central School in 1953. During his school years Tom was somewhat of a prankster – and an excellent baseball player as well. In 1956, Tom married Lorraine Claire Young of North Branch – they were both working for the NY Telephone Company, he as a lineman and she as an operator. Tom and Lorraine lived their entire adult lives in Callicoon where they raised their four children, built 2 homes and enjoyed the embrace of their community.

Tom worked for New York Telephone for 32 years in various roles – the last being an outside plant engineer – and then worked for Verizon for 10 years as a contract engineer. Tom was active in his community as a volunteer of the Upper Delaware Valley Ambulance Corp. and as a little league coach. Tom enjoyed trout fishing in the local brooks, his daily crossword puzzles, gardening and – more than anything – spending time with his family.

Tom was a bit of an enigma – even for those closest to him - he was pennywise and he was generous, he was humorous and he was serious, he had endless patience and he was impatient, he liked orderliness and he appreciated a good mess...

Tom remembered everything - he could recall every detail of a conversation or an event from 50 years ago as though it were yesterday – and he was a great storyteller. He was always good for, and up for, a laugh…

Tom lived his life valuing integrity, kindness, charity and beauty. He demonstrated what it means to be resilient and independent and honest and kind.

Tom was deeply loved by his family – who will miss him deeply – but will endeavor to move forward with these words in mind:He is Gone, by David Harkins

“You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all he’s left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.”

Tom’s wishes were to be cremated and for his ashes to be interred with those of his wife, Lorraine, for burial at the Hortonville Cemetery.

Tom requested a private family service.

Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the Delaware Youth Center.

Tom’s family is especially appreciative of the excellent care he received from the staff at Wayne Memorial Hospital and Compassionate Care Hospice.