James C. Snyder

Keen Mind,

Loving Heart

James C. Snyder, 65, died unexpectedly, in his sleep, February 16, at his home in Naugatuck. He was born July 2, 1945, in New Rochelle, N.Y., the son of Dorothy (Anderson) and Francis Snyder.

Mr Snyder spent his childhood in Newtown, attended Newtown High School, and after graduation served in the US Marines with the Marines Special Forces, in underwater demolition. He also served with distinction in the US Marine Color Guard.

Mr Snyder had a keen investigative mind and was well-known for his sparkling sense of humor. He worked for many years as a machine tool designer, and was a talented metal sculptor. He was also an avid reader of scientific literature. He was a deeply spiritual person whose scientific interests led him to appreciate the wonders and mysteries of the unseen world.

He had a staggering number of passions for outdoor activity, in each of which he was highly proficient. He was an airplane pilot and built his own ultralight plane. He was also a certified EMT.

His deepest delight came from his close and loving connection to his wife, Kathy (Brown) Snyder; his three children, Heather, Lindsay, and Jeff; five grandchildren; a sister; and several other relatives.

Memorial services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. His ashes will be interred in Veterans State Cemetery in Middletown, at the family’s convenience.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington CT 06111 or to the Veterans Wounded Warrior Fund, PO Box 337, 35 Main Street, Versailles CT 06383.

To send an online condolence, visit www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.

The Newtown Bee    February 25, 2011