Nona Michelle Snyder of Westhampton Beach died on September 14 at Stony Brook University Medical Center. She was 61.
Born on February 3, 1954, at St. Albans Hospital, she was a daughter of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Edward W. Snyder, who died at age 97 earlier this year, as well as Maureen J. Snyder.
Survivors said Ms. Snyder will be remembered for her love for her parents and tremendous bond with her father, including the care she provided to him until his death in February. She was intelligent, educated, informed and accepting, they said, adding that family was important to her and that she made that clear through the family videos and photos she shared with all. A huge fan of Starbucks and Springsteen, she could often be found with a muffin, coffee and her iPhone, spending time at Goldberg’s deli, relaxing and chatting with the owners and regulars.
Having spent much time in Washington, D.C., earlier in her life, she remained very interested and informed around American politics and recently received a personal letter from President Barack Obama acknowledging the great contributions her father had made in his service to this country. She was an excellent writer and had shared her thoughts about her father with the president, never expecting a response.
As a child, Ms. Snyder lived in many unique locales including Colorado, on Hawaii and in Morocco, as well as on Long Island. She attended Southampton College and received a bachelor’s degree in education, summa cum laude. After her education, she built an interesting career in Washington, D.C., where she worked as staff in the House of Representatives, and later as part of the Reagan White House. She then went on to work for ABC News as a producer for “World News Tonight” and Peter Jennings. Later in her career she relocated to Connecticut, where she used her talents in marketing and business development for the March of Dimes, the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford and the Bruce Museum. More recently, she relocated to Westhampton Beach, where for several years she helped her mother care for her aging father, while also working part-time with youth as part of the Human Understanding and Growth Seminars (HUGS) organization.
She is survived by siblings, Edward W. Snyder Jr. and Melissa Goldberg and husband Barry; nephew, Joshua Sonny Goldberg; and great-nephew, Gavin Sonny Goldberg; and many relatives and friends.
A wake was held at the Follett & Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach on September 17, followed by a funeral Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Quiogue on September 18. Burial was at Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury.
Memorial donations may be made to HUGS, 108 Mill Road, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978.
on Sep 22, 2015