Robert D. Snyder MD

On December 3, 2025, Dr. Robert "Bob" Donald Snyder (79) died in the home he cherished and loved. He was surrounded by his daughters, Kristen, Katie, Lindsey, Theresa and Susanna, and in spirit by his wife Patti and daughter Kelly.

Bob is survived by ten grandchildren - Eli, Jude, Jonah, Theo, Asher, Davis, Kelly Claire, Sayler, Leyna and Simon; his brother Bill; sister Connie; sons-in-law Steve, Matt, and Matthew; and a large and loving extended family of Snyders, Svanes, Stepps, Stewarts, Lewises, Collinses and Giglios.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Willard, wife Patti, sister Carol and daughter Kelly.

From a young age, Bob was called to a career in medicine and graduated Pre-Med from the University of Florida ('68), followed by the University of Miami School of Medicine ('73), and ultimately did his General Surgery Residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Chief Resident, 77-78).

That early calling became a vocation as much as a profession. His General Surgery practice in Tallahassee left its mark upon the community, particularly among the many breast cancer patients he treated throughout his 40+ year career.

He was known for his warm bedside manner and the respect he had for his patients. He wanted his patients to feel empowered even in the face of a difficult diagnosis. It was this ethic and approach to patient care that earned him a reputation as a celebrated physician. He was the Chair of the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Medical Staff (90-91) and received numerous awards including the I. B. Harrison, MD, Humanitarian Award ('22).

In his "spare" time, he fathered six daughters with the love of his life, Patti. After meeting at the University of Florida, when Patti was the sweetheart of his fraternity Pi Kappa Phi (President '68), they spent their early years of marriage in Miami. Patti, eager to start a family, had their eldest, Kristen, on her lap while Bob accepted his medical school diploma. Upon finishing his residency, they moved to Tallahassee to be closer to Bob's sister while they continued building their family. Despite demanding on call schedules and early rounds, a man of faith, Bob never failed to get the girls, lined up in the pew like ducklings, for 8 AM Sunday mass at Good Shepherd Catholic Church; attend their performances at Young Actors Theatre; served on the School Board at Trinity Catholic School, where he spearheaded the building of the Media Center; and cheered the girls on at various sporting events.

Though Bob and Patti had dreamed of empty nesting with more travel, like they had enjoyed in their early years of marriage, the progression of Patti's Multiple Sclerosis meant that instead Bob became a devoted and uncomplaining caregiver until her death in November 2021.

Bob loved hard puzzles, good music, and rooting die-hard for the Gators. He had a passion for Corvettes that started after being gifted one in his 20's that he rebuilt. This began his love affair with the muscle car and he subsequently drove many different models over his life. One of his favorite places on earth was the family beach house at St. George Island, and he claimed to have solved many of life's problems walking that beach. He enjoyed fine craftsmanship, mowing the lawn, and woodworking in his garage shop.

People will remember his kind, blue eyes and generous heart.

He was a beloved father, respected colleague, dear friend and trusted community member whose legacy will endure.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Robert's honor to Young Actors Theatre via the Snyder Scholarship Fund link https://youngactorstheatre.com/support-yat/donate/ or to the Walker Breast Program via the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Foundation website under "Gift Designation," https://www.tmh.org/tmh-foundation/donate.

A rosary will be held 5:00 p.m. Friday, December 12th, followed by a visitation 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, and the funeral will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13th at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. For those unable to make the funeral, it will also be livestreamed through the Good Shepherd Parish website: https://goodshepherdparish.org/livestream

Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with the arrangements.