Harold Joseph Snyder

Harold J. Snyder, age 89, passed away on December 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Hal, or "Pop," as he was affectionately called by his eight grandkids, was the rock of his family and the most kind, wise, and caring man we were all so blessed to have known and loved. He was born and raised in North Bergen, attended St. Michael's of Union City, and St. Peter's College, and served in the United States Naval Reserves before climbing the ladder at PSEG, going from meter reader to Head of Human Resources. His long and meaningful career continued as he went on to build his own successful consulting firm, while also co-authoring the book, It Isn't Difficult To Be Outstanding. He was renowned for his integrity, dedication, and leadership.
Above all, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 62 years of marriage to his beloved and adoring wife, Diane (née Kopil). They were a model of true love and unity, and together they raised three children, Lori, Sharon, and David in a cherished home with faith, love, and resilience. Hal was a constant source of guidance and wisdom to them, and they showed their adoration for their dad through the invaluable support they gave him- a trait they undoubtedly learned from their parents.
Hal and Diane moved from Bayonne to New Providence after the birth of their eldest, Lori, and made it the most welcoming home to all. "Grandma & Pop's" house hosted holidays, impromptu dinners, baking days, and pool barbecues for over 50 years.
Spending time with his family was paramount for Pop. The shore house in Seaside Park that he, Diane, Loretta, and Jim owned brought the entire group together for weeks on end for iconic beach days and evenings on the porch, which consistently ended with nights on the hammock, dozing off to the ocean breeze often with a grandchild on his chest.
Married in January of 1964, Diane and Hal were consistently the center of one another's worlds, and loved ones would describe their love as a "mutual obsession." As a couple, they went almost everywhere with each other, and even when apart, were always on each other's minds. Over their joyful 62 years together, they built the foundation of a beautiful loving family and served the pinnacle role model of what a loving and supportive marriage looked like. From exciting adventures to late nights watching TV, and even long shopping trips, Hal would do anything to give Diane the life they had dreamed of together.
Hal was a devout Catholic, who for decades, served Our Lady of Peace in New Providence as a lector and a dedicated member of the Parish Council. During that time, he faithfully volunteered at the annual parish country fair and attended innumerable Nocturnal Adorations. His dedication to his faith was unwavering throughout his entire life.
Hal had a passion for the Boston Red Sox, New York Football Giants, New Jersey Devils, which were all eclipsed by his love for Seton Hall Prep Soccer, which is coached by his son-in-law Marty, son Dave, and grandson Matty. His grandson Jack, who was a goalie on the 2025 team, was given an award in Hal's honor a week before his passing. Hal will also be awarded a posthumous honorary diploma with the Class of 2026.
Whatever his kids or grandkids were passionate about, he jumped right in- eagerly offering rides to and from activities and cheering at an innumerable number of games, recitals, and performances. Hal also touched the lives of many he encountered, always sharing wisdom, coffee, and tips (both monetary and sage advice) with anyone who came to work on the house or provided a service to him or his family. This was reflected in the countless heartfelt messages received by the family since his passing.
Although devastated by his passing, his family is wholly grateful for the life he shared with all of us. He enjoyed each of his days, even concluding his final night with an ice cream sundae, hanging out with his kids, and doing laps around the house. Despite battling Parkinson's disease for 15 years (many of which you would have never known), we know that he fought hard until the end, persevering through every physical challenge life presented in his later years. Perhaps it was the sheer joy of seeing those he loved, but he never let on to any physical pain or discomfort he endured - a true beacon of courage, toughness, and strength.
We absolutely love you, Hal, Hon, Dad, Pop, and will miss you dearly.
Harold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane (nee-Kopil); his daughters, Lori Berman and her husband, Marty, and Sharon McKenzie and her husband, Drew; his son, David and his wife, Gina; his sister, Mary Sheehan; his brother- and sister-in-law, Loretta and James Sullivan; in addition to his grandchildren: Matthew Berman and his wife, Caroline, Luke Berman and his husband, John Hughes, Krista, Caitlin, and Camryn McKenzie; and Jacqueline, Olivia, and Jack Snyder; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Marie and Harold Snyder, and his sister Jean Barnard.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home. 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 111 South Street, New Providence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Seton Hall Prep in Memory of Harold J. Snyder. Please visit shp.org/give and check "Tribute Gift" > "In Memory Of" > Harold J. Snyder and then "Designate" for SHP Annual Fund