Van E. Snyder

Van E. Snyder
12/07/2025
WATERBURY – Van E. Snyder, a longtime educator and principal for Waterbury Public Schools, died peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 83.
Van was married to Kathleen (Wallace) Snyder for nearly 60 years.
Born on Dec. 17, 1941, in Waterbury, son of the late Van L. and Lousie (Finn) Snyder, Van attended Sacred Heart Grammar and High schools, and was a graduate of Crosby High School, Class of 1960. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from UConn, Class of 1964, as well as a Master's degree from Central Connecticut State University and a sixth-year from the University of Bridgeport.
He was an accomplished high school athlete, excelling in football and swimming, then a longtime tennis coach, football official and swim referee.
Van spent most of his life near the water, from summers with family and friend on Hitchcock Lake, to lifeguarding in Hammonasset, then at his home on Cape Cod and winters in retirement at his home in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
He had a love of all animals, especially dogs, and enjoyed countless long walks in Fulton Park. Van was a devout Catholic and enjoyed weekly Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Our Lady of the Cape then St. Pius X in Cape Cod, and St. Ambrose in Deerfield Beach.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kristen J. Snyder of Boston, Van M. and his wife Suzanne (McNamee) Snyder of Pelham, NY, Matthew W. Snyder and his wife Jessica (Lee) Snyder of Easton, and Johanna E. Snyder Gambini and her husband Steven J. Gambini of Waterbury; seven grandchildren, Jonah V. Snyder, Elizabeth Gambini, Ryan Snyder, Nathaniel Snyder, Lucien Gambini, William Snyder and John Snyder.
Funeral services for Mr. Snyder will be Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury, at 1:30 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Calling hours are Sunday, from 2-4 p.m. at Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St. Waterbury. To honor Van's memory, donations to the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, at www.guidingeyes.org, would be greatly appreciated. For more on Van's life or to share a memory, please visit www.caseyfunerals.com.