Richard Michael "Rick" Snider

Richard "Rick" Michael Snider, 65, passed Aug. 26, 2025, in Baltimore, Md., of complications from a stroke. Born July 19, 1960, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Margy (Broches) Snider and the late William Snider. Sportswriter, author, mentor, entrepreneur, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Rick spent his childhood in Accokeek, Md. A 1978 graduate of Gwynn Park High School, Rick fondly recalled summers riding his bicycle with friends, getting into mischief, and playing football and baseball throughout his school years. In 1977, while working as a broiler chef at Rustler Steakhouse in Waldorf, Md., Rick met Lisa, the love of his life, who became his wife in December 1980. The couple first settled in Waldorf as Rick attended classes at Prince George's Community College before matriculating to the University of Maryland, College Park, where he proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism in 1982. A natural storyteller and jokester, Rick was ambitious and goal-oriented from early on. He knew he wanted to be a journalist from age 12. His love of sports–football, baseball, horseracing–naturally lended itself to sportswriting, a path he discovered after initially being hired as a reporter and photographer at the Maryland Independent circa 1978. Over the years, Rick wrote more than a dozen books and reported for as many outlets, spending 20 years at The Washington Times as the senior reporter covering the Redskins/Commanders, eight years as a columnist at The Washington Examiner, and six at the Washington Post Express. For decades he served as publisher of "Warpath" magazine (later "Command Post") and was a frequent guest on local radio and television shows. He also attended five Super Bowls, 20 Kentucky Derbies, and made lifelong friends while covering sports at destinations across the U.S. and abroad. He was proud to have visited 46 states and 21 countries. Rick received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named 2010 Washington Sportswriter of the Year from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. His work was honored with the Dateline Award for Excellence in Journalism runner-up for 2012 Best Editorial from the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Dateline Award for Excellence in Journalism for coverage of Sept. 11, 2001, presented by the Society of Professional Journalists. Never content to sit for long, Rick always had a new endeavor up his sleeve. Technology always fascinated him. Among many ventures was the successful creation of a vending company and online publishing house, plus turns as a Realtor, ghostwriter, media consultant, and more. He was a self-starter, unafraid to try new things–someone who never let naysayers get him down. "You can talk about problems, or you can find solutions," he often said. Becoming a professional Washington tour guide in 2010 brought together his passions for history, storytelling, and meeting new people. A devoted historian and family genealogist, Rick enjoyed showing guests around his beloved hometown–both on Constitution Avenue and through his blog, Rick Snider's Washington. In later years, his YouTube channel became a beloved outlet to share his knowledge with a wider audience. As a mentor, Rick loved talking to young people and offering encouragement in their journeys, particularly new journalists. During the pandemic, he reinvented himself again as an online educator offering public speaking, business start-up advice, and historical lessons to children. His compassionate connections to others made him a father figure to many, and he learned as much from them as they did from him. While his career was very meaningful to Rick, family came first. He was extraordinarily devoted to his wife of 44 years, Lisa, and their children, Megan and Katie. After both daughters married in 2013, he and Lisa started a new chapter in which they traveled and built their dream home in Southern Maryland. Rick was incredibly proud of his property and loved tending to the garden he tilled for several seasons: the culmination of a dream to set down farming roots. Rick loved to drive–he was never afraid of a road trip, and took countless friends to appointments in the city they may have been too timid to attempt themselves. Once he reached his destination, you were all but assured he would find a primo parking space–divine favor he attributed to "clean livin'." He also closely followed news, politics, and pop culture, often surprising his kids and grandkids by knowing the lyrics to current songs or the latest celebrity gossip. (As such, passing on the day of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement announcement would have amused him greatly!) The first Nationals game of the season, annual opening of Hovermale's in Fort Washington, and farm exhibits at the Charles County Fair were all traditions to be celebrated. Cutting grass alongside his oldest grandson Oliver and playing catch with youngest Leo were among many recent milestones. He admired the confidence and sass of his two granddaughters, and loved playing Uno No Mercy with Hadley and pouring over "Highlights" magazine with Autumn. Rick was active to his very last day awake with us, gardening and planning for football season, as he would have wanted it. For that, his heartbroken family is grateful. A man of great faith that strengthened in recent years, Rick was baptized in 2019 and devoted to his Christian beliefs. It is our prayer that we will meet again. Rick is survived by his wife, Lisa (Koscheka) Snider; mother, Margy Snider, of Culpeper, Va.; father- and mother-in-law, Francis "Mickey" and Wilma Koscheka of Waldorf, Md.; daughters and sons-in-law, Megan and Spencer Johnson of Pomfret, Md., and Katie and Eric Long of Mechanicsville, Md.; grandchildren, Oliver Johnson, Hadley Johnson, Autumn Long, and Leo Long; brother, William Snider, as well as numerous friends, colleagues, and extended family members. In Rick's honor, please pick some crabs ("Remember: real Marylanders don't use mallets"), enjoy a cold Diet Coke, and watch a sunrise (bonus points at Mount Vernon or his beloved San Francisco). Forgive a grudge. Call an old friend. Don't sweat the small stuff. Though he dearly loved life, he would give us all a happy shrug and say, "You know, it was quite a ride. I've been lucky, and I'll miss you all." Join us for a celebration of Rick's life on Saturday, Sept. 6, at New Life Church, 9690 Shepherds Creek Place, La Plata, Md. Friends and family will be welcomed from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A formal prayer service will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A private repast will follow. Rick was passionate about fighting food insecurity. In lieu of flowers, we welcome donations in his memory to Southern Maryland Food Bank or the nonprofit of your choice.