John Martin Snyder Jr.

We sadly announce the untimely passing of John Martin Snyder Jr. on February 17, in Boston, Massachusetts.
John was born in Winthrop, Massachusetts on July 11, 1957, to the late John M. Snyder Sr. and Regina Phyllis (Ackerman) Snyder. He leaves behind his long-suffering, but loving (!) sister, Mary Elizabeth Snyder Arena of Winthrop, and was preceded in death by his younger, funnier, and better-looking brother, Pvt. James Aaron Snyder.
John was a devoted uncle to his three nieces: Elizabeth Arena Fox and her husband Ryan Fox of Ireland; Catherine Arena of Stoneham, MA; Grace Arena of Winthrop. He adored his nieces beyond measure. He was also the proud great-uncle of Jaxson James and wee Owen John of Ireland.
John leaves his loyal friend Joseph Ferrino and many dear friends from Winthrop, Redington Pond, Heritage Travel, and his Boston community - especially Anand. And many cousins whom he dearly loved.
John proudly earned his GED, completed his certificate from the Travel School of America, and briefly studied at Northeastern University. He attended Redington Pond School in Rangeley, Maine and Cow Camp at Wardlow, Alberta, Canada. He fancied himself a Canadian citizen. He was a proud former choir member at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Winthrop and Saint Cecilia's Parish in Boston. John had a fierce passion for travel, visiting destinations from Maine to California, Hawaii, Japan, Australia, Egypt, South Africa, much of Europe, Brazil, and beyond. John ran marathons and walked for hunger. He was an eclipse chaser.
There wasn't a Boston sports team John didn't love. He was a faithful Olympics viewer and, in younger days, ran marathons in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Calgary. He was kissed by Lady Luck more than once, winning multiple paid vacations and acquiring second base from Jonathan Papelbon at a Red Sox playoff game at Fenway Park (his picture was in The Globe, so it really happened). He sang the National Anthem at sporting events and never missed singing "My Old Kentucky Home" at the start of the Kentucky Derby which he attended with Lynda.
John loved watching sports with friends at Cathedral Station in Boston's South End, where Sundays were filled with spirited debate and loud cheers for his beloved New England Patriots. He was an avid trivia enthusiast with remarkable knowledge of history, geography (especially capital cities), religion, science, and pop culture. If there was a question, John had an answer - confident and ready.
One of his favorite Sunday rituals began with CBS Sunday Morning, followed by Mass at Saint Cecilia's, and then on to Cathedral Station for game day. It was a rhythm that blended faith, friendship, and football.
John was friendly, generous, and boisterous in the best possible way - no one ever had to ask him to speak up. He cared deeply for his friends and believed strongly in respect and empathy toward all, regardless of status or circumstance. He showed up for people. John and his sister were looking forward to the 2026 World Cup in Boston.
In John's honor, please wear your favorite Boston sports regalia to the funeral services to be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Winthrop, MA. We request the honor of your presence and be prepared to sing, at the top of your voice, as John so loved to do.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are gratefully requested to Haley House, 23 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 04-2437845) supporting individuals on the margins of society.
Special thanks to Haley House, Pine Street Inn, Saint Francis House, and the healthcare professionals at Boston Medical Center's Menino ICU and Yawkey Step-Down Unit.
Please join Mary at Coogan's Boston on July 11, 2026, to raise a $1 beer in John's memory. The beer is on his long-suffering, but loving (!) sister's tab.
Rest in peace, John.
Rest in love.
Rest in Jesus' arms.