Richard Harvey Owen Snyder

Richard Harvey Owen Snyder, of Lakewood Ranch, FL, 88, died unexpectedly on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at TideWell Hospice, Center. He was born September 12, 1935 in Fort Madison, IA the son of Hugh Gervese Snyder and Hilja Matilda Ristinen.

Richard graduated from Plainville Rural High School, Class of 1953. Following graduation, he enlisted and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force on February 3, 1954 until his Honorable Discharged from active duty on October 17, 1957, additionally in the Air Force Reserve effective until February 1962, from the 8th Reconnaissance wing Strategic Air Command at Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, MA. Richard achieve a rank of Airman 1st Class. While serving he received the National Defense Service Medal as well as a Good Conduct Medal. His position required a Top Secret Clearance as a Photo Interpreter Specialist.

Upon completing his military service he worked at Liberty Loan, owned a Friendly Ice-cream Franchise in Longmeadow, MA, continued on to work for the Third National Bank in addition to graduating from Holyoke Community College and continuing to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Business from Western New England College. This led to his career at Third National Bank ie, Bank of New England, where he attained the position of Vice President in charge of the money desk and bank investments.

While in Massachusetts, he met and married his first wife, Myra, with whom he had two children, Anne Melanie Snyder and Judith Rose Snyder. After their divorce, he later married his second wife, Margaret Anne (nee Crevier) Cardano. Adding a son Mark Anthony Cardano, to his family. Mark loved Richard so much he honored him by giving his first born son his middle name, Owen, in honor of Richard.

Upon their retirement, Richard and Margaret moved to Florida where they worked tirelessly for the protection of abused children for 15 years as Guardian Ad Litems for the 17th District Court of Florida, receiving several honors in addition to being honored by the Supreme Court of Florida and Governor of Florida on October 10, 2022 for volunteer services for outstanding advocacy for the abused and neglected children of Florida, for which Richard felt humbled and honored. He was known by the guardian children, his children and grandchildren as the "Candy Man." He always carried Werther's in his pocket for everyone to enjoy.

Richard was an avid and competitive tennis and card player with his friends and family. At one point, he taught his daughter how to shoot craps, for which she was sent home from school. He loved to dance with his wife, daughters, and sister-in-laws. Richard loved to travel and loved the song On the Road Again. He was a great cook, some of his specialties were Clam Chowder, Chili, Linguini and White Clam Sauce and Quiche. "On occasion" he thoroughly enjoyed Wild Turkey, his pipe and his tobacco. His most precious attribute was his love, time, caring and mentoring of his children, grandchildren, as well as his nieces and nephews, who all loved him dearly. Richard had a great smile, sense of humor and a contagious laugh.

He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his sisters, Gloria "Buttons", Bea, Rosalie and their husbands. His two younger brothers, Hugh and his wife and Lloyd "Tuffy." Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Margaret; daughters, Anne Melanie Specht (Barry) of Long Island, NY and Judith Rose Halperin of Patterson, NJ and son, Mark Anthony Cardano (Cheryl Ann) of Winter Garden, FL. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Matthew H. Specht, David Halperin, Ryan A.O. Cardano, Emily A. Specht, Kristen N. Cardano, Austin M. Cardano and Joshua Halperin; great grandson, Ellis Halperin and sister-in-law, Florence Snyder, wife of Lloyd. Richard also leaves behind, his sisters-in-law and their partners, Louise E. Curotte and Suzanne M. Simmons and Walter Bogacz; his brothers-in-law and their wives, Jean P. and Mary Ann Crevier, Richard G. and Barbara Crevier, Edward J. Crevier, Bruce E. and Noreen Crevier and Robert C. and Kathy Crevier, along with many, many beloved nieces and nephews over many generations as well as close friends.

Due to the outstanding care and compassion showed to our loved one, the family request that in lieu of flowers that any donations be made to the TideWell Hospice, Lakewood Ranch, 11535 Rangeland Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211.

A celebration of life service for Richard will be held Monday, November 20, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 4310 Solutions Lane, Bradenton, Florida 34211, followed by a reception from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rtslwr.com for the Snyder family.