John William Snyder Sr.

John William Snyder passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 29, 2026, at the age of 83, after a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare degenerative brain disease. Born on June 22, 1942, in Randallstown, MD, John was the son of Robert Orville Snyder and Evelyn Marie Strauss. He graduated from North Hagerstown High School in 1960 and went on to attend the University of Maryland, where he played football and graduated in 1965. That same year, he married his college sweetheart, Susanne Evans. Together they built a life in Seaford, Delaware, where John began his career with DuPont. They welcomed two children, Kristin Jean (1966) and John William Jr. (1969). In 1976, the family moved to Wilmington as John’s career at DuPont flourished. He worked his way up to Vice President, General Services Business, after spending most of his career in the Nylon and Fibers businesses, John was very proud of his accomplishments and his 37 years with the company. John approached life with energy and enthusiasm. He enjoyed boating, golf, racquetball, and was a big NASCAR fan. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family. Whether in business or for pleasure, he had a deep curiosity about the world, traveling to countries including China, South Africa, Egypt, Australia, Russia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Yugoslavia, and Vietnam. He had a gift for connecting with people everywhere he went. In 2001, John retired and moved to Bishopville, Maryland, just outside Ocean City. By then, he had been blessed with seven grandchildren, who became the center of his world. He showed up for them fully—with pride, humor, and a presence that filled every room. John had a way of making people feel seen, offering advice, a firm handshake you wouldn’t forget, and a warmth that drew others in. After the loss of his beloved wife Sue in 2012, John later reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Sharon Munday. They married in 2014 and made their home in Easton, Maryland, where they built a life filled with companionship and care. John was diagnosed with PSP in 2017 after years of searching for answers. Even in the face of this devastating illness, he met each day with strength, optimism, and determination. Advocacy became deeply important to him, and he was actively involved with CurePSP, working to raise awareness and support the search for a cure. In a final act of generosity, John donated his brain to Johns Hopkins to further PSP research. John was predeceased by his first wife, Susanne Evans and his parents Robert Orville Snyder and Evelyn Marie Strauss. He is survived by his second wife, Sharon Boublitz Snyder; daughter, Kristin; his son, John W. Snyder Jr., daughter-in-law Elizabeth Kreck Snyder; brother, James Robert Snyder (Susie); sister, Roberta Lynn Wachter (David); grandchildren: Summer (Vincent), Sarah (Eric), Robert, Max, Kathleen, Evan, and John (Ashley); Step Daughter: Kate Munday; Step Granddaughter: Kailynn Fridley, and many nephews and nieces. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his humor, his strength, and the unmistakable presence he brought into every room. A memorial service will be held at The Tidewater Inn, May 22, 4-6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CurePSP – Home. A private burial will take place at a later date in Wilmington, Delaware.

John William Snyder Sr.

June 22, 1942 - April 29, 2026