Gregory R. Snyder
1940 - 2014

FRANKLINVILLE - Gregory R. Snyder, of Johnson Street, passed away peacefully Friday (Sept. 5, 2014) at his home following a lengthy illness.

Born March 4, 1940, in Olean, he was the son of John Edward and Mary Jane Driscoll Snyder. He attended Olean public schools, but his most memorable time was at School No. 5 with Blair Logan as a teacher. Over the years, Greg kept in touch with Mr. Logan and many of his classmates. They made a lifelong bond that meant a lot to him.

The family moved to Miami, but Greg came home in 1956 to finish his high school years at Olean High School, living with his grandparents on 12th Street. After his graduation, he married Dorothy Bly and went to work at Leo's grocery until his entrance into the New York State Police in September 1962.

As a trooper, he worked in different stations across the state but spent most of his service in Allegany and the Ellicottville barracks. In July of 1987, he and fellow trooper Ron Swartz received the Superintendent's Commendation award for outstanding service when they apprehended a kidnapper, saving the lives of two Yorkshire women.

In 1972, he married Mary Jo Pfeiffer and moved to Franklinville. His love for animals was fulfilled in his Labrador retrievers and horse racing, which evolved into the purchase of his first standardbred horses. In May 1992, he retired from the state police, and in October of the same year, he took the position of head of security for Holiday Valley until 2008.

He was a member of the Franklinville Jaycees, The Exchange Club, and the Franklinville Conservation Club, where he spent many hours' playing cards. He was an active member of the Allegany chapter of the Association of Former NYS Troopers Inc., and was involved in their many projects including the highway cleanup crew for the section of the expressway they represented.

Greg enjoyed watching his children in their different adventures in sports, camping, and many trips to Florida. He was always proud of his children and enjoyed visiting with them and their families.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Mary Jo, are a daughter, Theresa (Tim) Abdo of Olean; two sons, Phillip Scott (Mary) of North Port, Fla., and Gregory (Lyndon) Snyder-Lowe of Maggie Valley, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Christine Mogg and a stepson, Jeffrey, both of Franklinville. He had eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Elizabeth (William) Karl of Allegany; a brother, Gary Snyder of Miami and several nieces and nephews. In October 2013, he welcomed his first great-great-grandson, giving him the fifth generation.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a son John.

Friends will be received at 11 a.m. Monday (Sept. 22, 2014) at St. Bonaventure Church, 93 E. Main St., Allegany, followed by a memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. James Vacco, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery immediately after. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of his life luncheon at 2 p.m. in the Franklinville Conservation Club.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the New York State Trooper Foundation, 3 Airport Park Blvd. Latham, NY 12110-1441.

Online condolences can be sent to www.babbitteastonfh.com.