Albert William (Bill) Snyder

Age 88, a resident of Albuquerque, NM, passed away on April 9, 2014 following a lengthy illness. Born December 28, 1925 in Halifax, PA, he was the son of the late Isabelle and Joseph A. Snyder. Bill was a WWII veteran having enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and serving as an electronics specialist on the USS Grainger. Following his discharge from the Navy, Bill completed his Bachelors degree in Physics from Franklin and Marshall College, and his Masters degree in Physics from Iowa State University. Bill joined Sandia National Laboratories as a nuclear physicist in 1954 and at the time of his retirement in 1991, he was Director of Exploratory Nuclear Energy Systems. In his spare time, Bill was a Master gardener, draftsman, skilled woodworker, and co-builder of an experimental airplane. He loved to design and see his ideas on paper become reality. He loved to read and could often be found in his favorite chair reading books on history or science. He enjoyed the challenge of learning new things; taking up the study of Biology at age 75. Bill was also an avid and expert skier, skiing until age 81, the slopes of the New Mexico and Colorado mountains. He often joked with his daughters how he no longer had to pay for lift tickets, a great age benefit! Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Ferne L. Snyder and his sister, Marie Rowe. He is survived by his three daughters, Schelley J. (Snyder) Carlton and husband Larry of Albuquerque, NM, Melanie A. (Snyder) McDonald and husband Denis and their children, Liam and Lauren of Edmonds, WA and Shannon L. (Snyder) Olfers and husband Steven and their children, Erin Grace, Zachary and Callum of Laveen, AZ; and nieces Teresa and Lisa Rowe of Pennsylvania. Bill was a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers at Brookdale Place of Albuquerque, and Dr. Francesco Standoli, Carolyn Pesko, RN and the volunteers with Hospice of New Mexico; all who helped make Bill’s final days comfortable and peaceful. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date at St. James Independent Church near the village of Carsonville, PA. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the St. James Independent Church, 3528 Powells Valley Road, Halifax, PA 17032, New Mexico Boys and Girls Ranches, www.theranches.org, 6209 Hendrix Rd. NE, 2 FL, Albuquerque, NM 87110, Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231, or the charity of your choice.