Joel Rice Snyder

Joel Rice Snyder, age 94, passed away Monday, November 20, 2017. He was born November 6, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio to Elmer and Josephine (Rice) Snyder. Joel grew up in Columbus and graduated from South High School in 1941. After the passing of his father when Joel was 10, he helped support his mother through the Depression by delivering newspapers and doing odd jobs. He married Gloria J. Mertz on April 17, 1948. They were married 69 years and were long-time residents of Upper Arlington, Ohio until moving to Westminster Thurber Community two years ago. After graduation he worked for the Columbus Dispatch Printing Company, where he was employed for 45 years, first as a switchboard operator and proof runner, eventually becoming customer service manager. After retiring from the Dispatch, he was coordinator for the Upper Arlington Schools Adult Education Program. Joel will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and interest in others. From his early 20s, he was involved in community and volunteer organizations. In the 1950s Joel played an active role in the annexation of Marion Township into the City of Columbus, at the time the second largest annexation in Franklin County history. Through his special talents in writing, photography, and art, he contributed to public relations efforts in the early days of the Council for Retarded Children (eventually leading to the formation of Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities) and the election campaign of Governor C. William O'Neill. For many years he was very involved in the South High School alumni association. He lent his time and interest in the computer education program at the Upper Arlington Senior Center. Among Joel's many interests, he particularly enjoyed sports car rallies, Malibu Racing, swimming, tennis, jazz, playing the keyboard, and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Above all else was his love of family. He is survived by his wife, Gloria M. Snyder; his two sons, Joel J. (Christine) Snyder, Jeffrey (Theresa) Snyder; and his four grandchildren, Austin Snyder, Philip Snyder (fiancée, Ellen Thomson), Claire Snyder, and Renee Snyder. At his request, no service will be held. Contributions to Joel's memory may be made to the Upper Arlington Senior Association, 1945 Ridgeview Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221, or Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43214. Funeral arrangements have been made by Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to extend condolences.