Alan J Snider, D.O.

SNIDER, Alan J. D.O. 103 died Dec. 2, 2014. Dr. Snider was born in Ft. William, Ontario Canada now named Thunder Bay. After graduating from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine he entered a surgical residency at Massachusetts Osteopathic Hospital in Boston, MA. College. After completing his residency he moved to Largo in 1956 from York Harbor, ME. It has been said that Dr. Snider had some of the greatest influence in the area when it came to the growth of osteopathic medicine on the West Coast of Florida. His life's dream was to own a hospital. In 1957, Dr. Snider bought a 14-bed nursing home on a loan and a promise. He founded Sun Coast Osteopathic Hospital and brought in osteopathic physicians from around the country to create the hospital it became. He was a general surgeon and initially developed an internship and general surgical residency. Over a 25 year timespan, he grew the hospital to 300 beds where he initiated an internship and surgical residency followed by the development of multiple other residencies and fellowships. Since the acquisition of Sun Coast Hospital, Largo Medical Center has grown the Graduate Medical Education department to 13 programs. A room was even named in his honor at Largo Medical Center. Dr. Snider was a member of Anona United Methodist Church, Largo and was a Master Mason. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances; daughter, Margaret “Betty”: sister, Helen and brothers, Gordon and Archie. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of 42 years; children, Dr. Alan H.(Dr. Rebecca) Snider, Tipton, MI, Joan (Pat) Mangas, Franklin, NC, Gail (Bill) Huch, Burbank, CA and Barbara (Thomas) Graham, Littleton, CO; step children, Sharron (Kenneth) Parker, Wake Forest, NC, Brant (Analyn) Bailey, St. Petersburg, FL and Randi Bailey, Largo, FL and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. AAA Celebration of Dr. Snider’s life will be held 2 pm on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014 at Anona United Methodist Church (main sanctuary), 13233 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sun Coast Osteopathic Foundation, 2101 Indian Rocks Road, Suite A, Largo, FL 33774.