Westhampton Beach Veteran Leaves Behind Lasting Legacy

He flew planes over France and Germany during World War II, did public relations in Korea, ran military officer clubs in Morocco, Hawaii and Colorado Springs, and even managed golf courses across Long Island.

During his free time he built designer birdhouses and furniture, painted landscapes and portraits, walked a few miles, read three newspapers and watched the news on TV every day, and prayed every night.

Edward Snyder lived a long, active and accomplished life. But, as his wife of 69 years, Maureen, recalled this week, he always found the time to make his loved ones happy.

“He always made me feel loved and comfortable,” Ms. Snyder said. “He just cared so much about me, and he just wanted me to be happy. He did everything for me. If I ever wanted something, he’d find a way to get it for me. If I wanted to go somewhere, we’d go.”

Mr. Snyder, a longtime Westhampton Beach resident and a former lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force, died of natural causes on Tuesday, February 17. He was 97.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Valley Stream, Mr. Snyder entered the military shortly after graduating high school and took on one of the most dangerous positions in the Air Force: glider pilot, flying the silent planes over enemy territory.

Mr. Snyder flew during five major campaigns, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, and a failed, lesser-known mission called Operation Market Garden over Germany, in which between 15,000 and 17,000 soldiers—mostly airborne Allied troops—were killed.

“He always knew what he wanted to do: be a pilot and serve his country,” Mr. Snyder’s daughter Nona Snyder said. “Dad was always a bit of a daredevil—he enjoyed taking chances—so that’s why he wanted that position.”

After returning from war, Mr. Snyder met Maureen Higgins at a wedding, and the two had a wedding of their own a short time later, marrying on January 2, 1946. After his active duty career, Mr. Snyder did public relations for the military during the Korean War and then went on to run several military officer clubs around the world before returning to Long Island.

“He was a kind soul, the nucleus of our family and my best friend,” Nona Snyder said when reached Wednesday morning. “I’m looking at his chair right now, and I still can’t believe he’s not here.”

Mr. Snyder is survived by his wife, Maureen, his son, Edward W. Snyder Jr., and his daughters Nona Snyder and Melissa Goldberg. He is also survived by Ms. Goldberg’s husband, Barry, and their son, Joshua. Mr. Snyder also had many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held Friday at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Quiogue. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, well-wishers donate to the East End Hospice Building Fund.