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John Snyder Obituary
December 2, 1947 - July 20, 2016
Our beloved husband, father, doctor, teacher, mentor, coach, and friend, passed away after a cycling accident on July 20, 2016 while on holiday in France. Born in Bakersfield, California on December 2, 1947, the second of three children, son of David and Margaret Snyder, he was raised in Delano before graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1970. He received his medical doctorate in 1975 from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, before pursuing an internship and residency program in General Pediatrics at Duke University. He worked for three years in enteric diseases in several developing countries for the Centers for Disease Control, which inspired him to pursue pediatric gastroenterology fellowship training at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston. It was while working at Boston Children's Hospital that he met his future wife, Michele. He moved with his family to San Francisco in 1992, where he began work at the University of California, San Francisco.In 2007, he moved to Children's National Health System in Washington, D.C. to become Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Board certified in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology, an expert in a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, John worked extensively in the fields of infant nutrition and international child health and served on the World Health Organization's International Roster of Experts in Pediatric and Maternal Health. He made considerable contributions to GI research, published extensively, and was a contributing author to several textbooks in his field.
At Children's National, he is credited with significantly expanding the breadth of services and procedures offered to patients with GI disorders. Always a passionate advocate for children, he also developed and led a preeminent multidisciplinary pediatric Celiac Disease program.
Remembered fondly as a teacher and mentor for students, residents, nurses, and fellows, as well as a coach for all three of his sons' grammar school basketball teams. Survived by Michele, his wife of 31 years, sons Michael, Matthew, and Gregory, brother, Richard, and sister-in-law, Debbie, and sister, Buffy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of John be made to the Celiac Disease Program at Children's National Health Center, a cause toward which John worked tirelessly. An online donation may be made at http://childrensnational.org/snyder ; or a check may be sent to Children's Hospital Foundation: Attention: Allison Mitchell, 801 Roeder Road, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD 20910; please note "In memory of John Snyder" to designate the gift.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 30 at St. Brendan's Catholic Church in San Francisco.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Snyder
Carole
July 20, 2023
So fitting that this reminder of John showed up as I have just spent time pedaling with Michele and the Cavaliers. We remember John and his spirit whenever we gather .
Ainsley
September 4, 2016
I had just met Dr. Snyder once and that was all I needed to trust and love him. He was such a great doctor he never was into money and he cared he knew I didn't have Crohn's. I'm only 11 but I think he was the kindest, trustworthy, loving, full of joy doctor ever! I miss him so much I would do anything to have him back.
August 24, 2016
We were terribly saddened to hear the news of John's passing. John was one of those rare combinations of highly intelligent and highly personable - which in a physician translates into what we found to be some of the best care our daughter has ever received. He not only quickly diagnosed her and developed a treatment plan that transformed her health, but made sure, through constant communication, that we understood medically what was going on and what we needed to do as part of her "care team." I hope his family knows what a difference he's made in the lives of his patients. We now hold all other doctors to his (high) standard of care! Sending our thoughts for peace and comfort in this challenging time.
Best wishes,
The Kerr Family, Washington, DC
Madeleine Moore
August 18, 2016
Michele, Michael, Matt & Gregory,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazingly kind, warm and intelligent man. His legacy lives on in his three sons. Sending all my love and support to you all.
Madeleine Moore
Karen Sweet
August 18, 2016
Doctor Snyder was an amazing doctor! He quickly responded to our questions on Celiac for our daughter Emily. He stood out as an caring, concerned doctor' willing to help and work with us during her transition on dealing with Celiac. I am very sorry to hear he has passed away. My condolences are with his family and friends he was an amazing doctor. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, we pray for your peace. Fondly, The Sweet's.
Alexis Bernstein
August 17, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Dr. snyder's family. Dr. snyder diagnosed my daughter with celiac in May. He was deeply kind and a wonderful doctor and we will miss him greatly.
Danielle Young
August 17, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Snyder's passing. We met Dr. Snyder earlier this year after our son who has Down Syndrome was diagnosed with celiac disease. Dr. Snyder was very passionate about what he did and spent a lot of time with us sharing information about the disease and answering any questions we had. The most memorable thing I experienced with Dr. Snyder was how personable he was with his patients. He emailed and checked on our son after his surgery and responded promptly whenever I would email him with questions or updates. Though our relationship with Dr. Snyder was just developing it was truly a pleasure to meet him and he will be missed.
Elizabeth Ehrhardt
August 16, 2016
We were distraught to hear about the passing of Dr. Snyder. He was amazingly kind, so responsive, and extermely well-versed in the health concerns related to a child having special needs, in our case autism. When your kids have special needs a good provider can mean the world. He performed surgery on my barely 2 year-old earlier this year.
His loss is felt very acutely in our home, but surely many, many more families including his own will greatly mourn him.
Adrienne Rivetti Jensen
August 15, 2016
I have sat with this information for a few days now, feeling sad, stunned, and speechless about the news of Dr. Snyder's passing. We met him 2 1/2 years ago when our little Ezra was diagnosed with celiac disease. From the first time we met, I have never stopped being amazed by how warm and gentle and invested Dr. Snyder was toward our entire family. He made us all feel special and valuable, but especially Ezra. The day we met Nats player Jayson Werth at an event at Children's National, my husband later asked my son if it was cool to meet a real professional baseball player. Ezra said, "Yeah, but Dad, guess who else I got to see today? Dr. Snyder!" Because that is how much he loved this man! He always listed him among his best friends.
Ezra will miss his buddy and the man who made him feel like his favorite patient. I will miss my conversations with Dr. Snyder about travel and books. And we will all miss the kindness, expertise, and warmth of the best doctor we will ever know.
In talking about how we can best remember and honor Dr. Snyder, Ezra and I have decided to look for ways to make people feel as special and good as Dr. Snyder made us feel. We have committed to looking for the wonder in everyone we meet.
The world has truly lost an unmatchable human. Our thoughts and hearts are with Dr. Snyder's family, to whom we are so grateful for sharing a little bit of him with us. May they find some degree of peace and comfort in the knowledge that their husband/father/brother had such an incredible impact on so many people. <3
Adrienne Rivetti Jensen
August 15, 2016
I have sat with this information for a few days now, feeling sad, stunned, and speechless about the news of Dr. Snyder's passing. We met him 2 1/2 years ago when our little Ezra was diagnosed with celiac disease. From the first time we met, I have never stopped being amazed by how warm and gentle and invested Dr. Snyder was toward our entire family. He made us all feel special and valuable, but especially Ezra. The day we met Nats player Jayson Werth at an event at Children's National, my husband later asked my son if it was cool it to meet a real professional baseball player. Ezra said, "Yeah, but Dad, guess who else I got to see today? Dr. Snyder!" Because that is how much he loved this man! He always listed him among his best friends.
Ezra will miss his buddy and the man who made him feel like his favorite patient. I will miss my conversations with Dr. Snyder about travel and books. And we will all miss the kindness, expertise, and warmth of the best doctor we will ever know.
In talking about how we can best remember and honor Dr. Snyder, Ezra and I have decided to look for ways to make people feel as special and good as Dr. Snyder made us feel. We have committed to looking for the wonder in everyone we meet.
The world has truly lost an unmatchable human. Our thoughts and hearts are with Dr. Snyder's family, to whom we are so grateful for sharing a little bit of him with us. May they find some degree of peace and comfort in the knowledge that their husband/father/brother had such an incredible impact on so many people. <3
August 15, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Coaches Snyder/Franceschini and their players!
The Bruneman Family
August 15, 2016
Michele, Michael, Matthew & Gregory,
We just heard the news and are deeply saddened about Dr. Snyder. We were lucky to have Doc Snyder as our son Brett's coach. He was so inspiring and patient with these young guys but you could see how much enjoyment both the players and Coach Snyder had for each other playing basketball at St. Brendan. It's a lovely memory, one we will cherish forever. He was a wonderful man. A wonderful human being.
Prayers,
Kurt, Karen, Beau, Brett & Brooke Bruneman
Michelle Whitaker
August 14, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Snyder was a wonderful doctor who truly cared about his young patients and their families. What an amazing doctor and no doubt an amazing husband, father, son, brother and friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Trudy
August 13, 2016
I am so sorry. Dr Snyder was so kind and caring to both me and my son whom he treated for celiac. He and his family will be in our prayers and we will have a Mass said for him at our church, St. Gregory the Great in Virginia Beach, VA.
Bridget McMahon
August 13, 2016
My son and I are so saddened to hear of Dr. Snyder's passing. One of his patients since 2010, my son viewed Dr. Snyder as his champion, the one doctor who would not stop until he determined the root of my son's many health issues. As a parent, my experience with Dr. Snyder's wit, intelligence and communication skills could not have been better. I am certain that my son would not be the healthy, strong rising high school senior he is without Dr. Snyder's great care and compassion.
Joan Dunlop
August 12, 2016
I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Snyder first as a medical student at UCSF and then as an attending at CNMC. I was amazed that he remembered me after all those years when we ran into each other in the ER. I know he gave much of himself to many other students and doctors, and he leaves an amazing legacy.
Yolanda Coppedge
August 8, 2016
I can't believe this! I just found out today of his death He was an awesome doctor and great with children. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
August 4, 2016
Dear Michelle -
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about John. I will keep you and the boys in my thoughts and prayers. You and John always made me feel so welcome in your home, and I loved playing for your Christmas parties.
With love,
Sherrill
Lariza, John, and Ainsley Rife
August 3, 2016
The medical community has lost a wonderful soul. We had just met Dr. Snyder the week before he departed for France. He gave us over an hour of his time and treated us with respect and listened to our concerns. We had finally felt a sense of relief and trust with medical professionals. I am deeply grateful that we had the opportunity meet with him. He will never know the impact that hour had on our lives.May God rest his soul.
All of our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Maryann Billings
August 2, 2016
Dear Michelle. It is with a broken heart I just heard about John. I can not imagine the pain you are feeling but please know we will never forget John and his kind heart. I'm so happy we had the chance to be together a couple of years ago. I will never forget it and I will never forget this kind soul. Love Maryann Billings
Gilbert Vezina
July 30, 2016
Dear Michele,
Our entire family is so saddened by the news of John's passing, no words can quite expres the sense of loss we feel for the untimely departure of your husband, our friend, my colleague and Annalise 's physician.
We are vacationing in Maine. This morning we hiked up a beautiful mountain, Cadillac mountain. Lise and I shared the news of john's passing with our girls near the mountain top, overlooking a beautiful and peaceful scenery. We cried, hugged, and took stock of how precious life is. John was a wonderful, kind, generous man who left such a positive mark in my / our lives. We held a long silence in his honor, and cried tears of sadness and loss.
We send you and your family our sincere condolences. Sorry we could not be in San Francisco today, however do know you were very much in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Sophie, Annalise, Lise and Gilbert vezina
Colleen Williams
July 29, 2016
Dear Michelle,Mike,Matt and Greg,
Blessings of strength to all of you.You are in our thoughts and prayers always. God bless, Colleen, Tim, Brendan, Joey and Danny Williams
July 29, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXnvWX8qqBY
Tracy McMahan
July 29, 2016
Dr Snyder was my first attending on my first day of internship as a UCSF pediatric resident. He taught us how to be excellent doctors and good human beings. He compassionately cared for his patients and listened to their stories and healed their pain. I was fortunate to learn from such a great teacher.
Very sad to hear of his passing. He certainly left his mark on the world.
Julie Couch
July 29, 2016
He was such a kind and gentle doctor. My daughter and I are so sad for his family. What a loss.
Pete and Sue Wickert
July 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Michele and her family. We remember John as a gentle and caring man.
Steve Raber
July 28, 2016
John was, and always will be, our Champion in the fight against Celiac Disease. He embodied the values of our shared mentor, John Wooden, who urged us to live by these words: "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
Thank you, John. God Bless Michele, Michael, Matthew, and Gregory.
July 28, 2016
He was, and always will be, our Champion against Celiac Disease. He embodied the values of our shared mentor, John Wooden, who urged us to live by these words: "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." God Bless Michele, Michael, Matthew, and Gregory.
With love,
Steve Raber
Allyson Currin Stokes
July 28, 2016
Dr. Snyder treated my daughter Kate at Children's for the past six years and he was more than a doctor to her, and to my family. He was a hero. His kindness and attentiveness was astounding. He never forgot anything my daughter ever said to him, and when she talked, he listened more carefully and attentively than almost anyone I know. He treated her as if she was the most precious person in the room and she adored him for that. He healed her and gave her back her health, and an active, fulfilled teenaged life. We all sobbed when we heard he had passed away because, like all the angels in life you take for granted, we thought he would always be there. None of us can imagine his family's pain on losing such a profoundly unique individual. We can only express our enduring love and gratitude for his presence in our lives and celebrate the fact that he enriched this world. In these days of cynicism and fear, he brought light and hope. He saved and healed with expertise, love for children and humility. My two daughters and their grandparents join me in expressing our deepest condolences to Dr. Snyder's family, and our humble thanks that they shared a small part of him with us. Kate will miss him always. Allyson Currin Stokes
Meredith Dreyer Gillette
July 28, 2016
Michele, thinking of you and your sons during this difficult time. Praying for peace and comfort.
Terry Kind, MD, MPH
July 28, 2016
John had a tremendous positive impact on all learners he encountered(including his colleagues), holding them to high standards and always keeping the care of patients in mind. He will be dearly missed.
Stephen Teach
July 28, 2016
John was a great doctor and a finer man. I will miss him greatly. Godspeed to him and to all the members of the Snyder/Mietus family.
Laura Ball
July 28, 2016
I am heartbroken for your entire family over this terrible tragedy. Please know that I am thinking about you, supporting you, and ready to do anything I can to help you in any way possible. Together with your extraordinary loving family and dedicated friends, all of whom are a reflection of John's character, celebrate a life well lived that was too short indeed. Sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and loving thoughts your way.
Dennis and Eileen Aicardi
July 28, 2016
Our condolences to the Snyder family in their time of loss. He will always carry you in his heart and he will always be with you.
Carole and Werner Paulus
July 27, 2016
John was a wonderful friend. We will take his spirit with us on all our adventures.
Carol Hassell
July 27, 2016
I am so thankful I got to share a small piece of John's cycling adventure. There is one less brilliant Doctor, one less special healer, and one less shining star here now. Earthbound no more, gone from our sight to a garden of light and peace.Somehow this must give us comfort. I will never forget. Carol Hassell & Mark
Joany Janicki
July 27, 2016
We are very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Snyder. He was a wonderful, gentle and caring doctor with our son who was diagnosed with celiac disease. He did so much for the local celiac community and his presence and influence will be very sadly missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
Jana Safra
July 26, 2016
Our deepest sympathies over this devastating loss. Dr. Snyder gave so much. He cared for, taught, empowered, and inspired our 11 year old daughter who has Celiac disease. We appreciate and respect Dr. Snyder and feel so lucky that she was under his care. Our whole family learned so much from him. He spoke about his family with such love. We are so sorry for your loss. Jana & Seth Safra
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