Edward C. Snyder

Edward C. Snyder, 87, of Allentown, died Sunday Feb. 22 of age-related decline at St. Luke's Hospice inpatient unit in Bethlehem.

Born June 23,1938 at Allentown Hospital, he attended schools in New Jersey before returning to Allentown as a fifth grader. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1957.

Following high school, he served several years in the Army National Guard. His early employment included positions as a roofer for his uncle, and roles at a gas company, bakery, and lithograph company. Mr. Snyder was also employed at Lehigh Valley Dairy Farms and Pantry Pride Markets prior to commencing his career as a pressman for The Morning Call, where he dedicated 35 years of service before retiring in 2000.

A spirited personality, Mr. Snyder wasn't always a rule follower. When he worked at the dairy, he was suspended for plucking strawberries from the ice cream and eating them. But even before that, he couldn't resist a good prank. He and his brother released lightning bugs during a screening at a local theater, causing quite a stir with the audience.

In 1962, he married the late Geraldine Posegay, with whom he had three children. After their divorce, he married Betty Williams in 1990; they remained together for 36 years until his death. He loved spending time with his wife and their cat Cleo and his children and grandchildren.n avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Snyder was particularly fond of the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and accumulated gear and memorabilia from both teams, which was often the go-to gift for him.

He also enjoyed playing poker, regularly gathering with relatives and friends, and notably celebrated his 80th birthday at the poker table. The Eagles' first Super Bowl victory was that same year.

Never one to imbibe much, his children kidded him about buying seven-ounce beers; 12 ounces was just too much.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Susan of Philadelphia; son Scott and wife Heidi of Middlefield, Ohio; son Michael and wife Azucena (Sid) of Breinigsville; three step children, nine grandchildren and one great grandson. He was predeceased by his mother Veronica (née Dougherty), and siblings Roger and Shirley.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Bachman, Kulik and Reinsmith Funeral Homes, 1629 Hamilton St., Allentown. A calling hour will be held from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. www.BKRFH.com