Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Neal Snyder Obituary
Born on November 22, 1941, in Phila., PA, to Helen and Nathaniel Snyder, Neal received a BA and MA in sociology from UC Berkeley, and a JD from Hastings College. As an attorney he specialized in protecting children from abuse and became a role model for others in the field.
As a teen Neal discovered DJ Johnny Otis, whose shows inspired Neal's love of jazz, Latin jazz, blues, rock, R&B, and soul. In recent years, Neal wrote an online newsletter, Music and More, alerting fans to performances by favorite Bay Area musicians.
A lifelong traveler, Neal and his wife, Yvonne Garcia, spent winter months in Southeast Asia. He was an avid follower of the news and a supporter of independent progressive reporting. He loved shooting hoops and watching the Warriors.
Neal delighted in his children and their partners, Alanya (Mike), Rumeli (Cyrus), and Danny (Heather); his grandsons, Selim, Naveed, Sandriz, and Brindle; and his sister and brother-in-law, Karen and Chris Mead, and their children and grandchildren.
A celebration of Neal's life will be held at a later date. For details, please contact [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cancer Support Community SF Bay Area, KCSM Jazz 91, The Nation or any organization that protects children.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neal Snyder
Susanna Lacayo
March 16, 2019
In a world where there are some who seek to divide us there are some who come along and who look past the color of our skin, politics, and class to bring love and light into the world. That was Neil. He set the example for us to follow. We miss you Neil...
Jay Miller
June 11, 2018
I am just now learning of Neal's passing. I am so saddened. So many wonderful times with Neal and so much admiration for all his good service to people and to our society. The best at this time to all his family and friends.
Marlene Hellman
May 18, 2018
Just found out about Neal's death today through a former co-worker at Community Care Licensing. Neal loved the blues and used to have a newsletter called "Blues News." My late husband,John and I used to love to talk to him about the blues. I'm not surprised that he was Phi Beta Kappa. He was brilliant and an excellent attorney. He was concerned about the rights of the vulnerable in state licensed facilities. A real gentleman in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed.
Susanna Lacayo
March 29, 2018
Neal was a bright light and a beautiful soul! I was privileged to have known him even for just a short while. Rest In Peace.
Natalie Roberts
March 29, 2018
I moved to the Bay Area in 2003 with the specific intent of learning at the feet of a master. I credit Neal for my on-going career in the area of child and vulnerable adult protection. He will be missed by many; because to have had Neal touch your life, it means you encountered something truly special.
RIP my friend and comfort and peace to the family and friends left to carry on.
Thank you.
March 28, 2018
I worked with Neal at the Department of Social Services. He was a mentor to many attorneys and someone who cared deeply about the mission of our Department. I am very saddened to hear of his death. His work made a difference for many.
-Tara Rufo
Herb Gee
March 28, 2018
Truly saddened by news of Neal's death. He was a truly good person.
Yvonne, my deepest condolences to you and the family. Sorry we weren't able to keep in touch over the years. I will always remember playing poker with Neal during the early years and marveling at Neal's commitment to always doing the right thing for the right reasons. Fond memories.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Neal Snyder's name
Memorial Events
for Neal Snyder
How to support Neal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Neal Snyder's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
