Larry N. Snyder

AUSTINTOWN - Larry Neal Snyder, 69, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, at University Hospital Cleveland following a brief illness. Larry was born August 23, 1955, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, a son of the late William L. "The Chief" Snyder and Shirley Baker Snyder. He spent his formative years in Franklin, Pennsylvania, and was a proud 1973 graduate of Franklin Regional High School. In 1977, Larry made Austintown his home, where he built a life full of love, community, and spirited dedication to the things he cared about most-his family, his faith, and his passion for sports. Best known to many as the unmistakable voice behind the microphone, Larry served as the public address announcer for the Youngstown Phantoms and Robert Morris University Colonials hockey teams. He was also the creator and writer of the beloved blog, Larry's Starting Line-Up, where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for sports shone through every post. Larry had a special admiration for women's athletics and proudly coached his daughter's hockey team, bringing his signature encouragement and heart to the rink. He also found joy supporting the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds Ultimate Frisbee Team. Larry was a dedicated member of the former St. Luke Episcopal Church in Niles, where he served faithfully as worship leader and treasurer. Alongside John Hammel, he represented the church in its outreach through Niles Churches for Housing, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and community support. To know Larry was to know kindness, generosity, and fierce loyalty. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. Larry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary McKee Snyder, whom he married May 28, 1977; two daughters, Elizabeth Rose Snyder of Austintown and Sarah Catherine Mullins (Dorian) of East Palestine; three grandchildren, Easton, Gannon, and Aayrian; a brother, Jay R. Snyder (Barb) of Youngstown; nieces, Jenny and Meg (Perry) Numedahl; nephew, Josh (Elizabeth) Craft; four grandnieces and two grandnephews. Family and friends are invited to pay respects from noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Larry's family suggests memorial contributions be made to Niles Community Services 400 Vienna Ave., Suite 2 Niles, Ohio 44446. Larry's voice may have fallen silent, but his echo remains-in the hearts he inspired, the lives he uplifted, and every game day yet to come.