Lewis E. “Lew” Snyder Sr., loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather

Olean- Lewis E. “Lew” Snyder Sr. formerly of Brook St. passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Pines Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center of Olean, after a short illness.

Lew was born in Newfield, PA., on July 16, 1931, he was the son of the late Luther and Margaret (Blackman) Snyder. He was orphaned at the age of 3, and was raised by his beloved aunt and uncle, Susan (Snyder) and Martin Falk. On October 29, 1950, in Roulette, PA, he married his loving wife, Luella J. Snyder, who predeceased him, August 3, 2012.

Lew attended Roulette High School and later received his GED from New York State. He went on to work for the American Olean Tile Plant and St. Bonaventure University Security, retiring in 1992. He enjoyed memberships with, Allegany American Legion, Post # 892, The Allegany 60 Plus Club, The Pulaski Club of Olean, The Moose Lodge of Olean and The Elks Lodge of Olean.

Lew had a passion for playing cards that brought joy to his life. Alongside his loving wife Luella, they formed countless friendships through their shared love for this pastime. The couple cherished their time spent at Rushford Lake, where they often would gather with friends. He loved to take his friends and family on pontoon rides on the lake. In addition to their summers at Rushford Lake, Lew and Luella spent many winters in Bradenton, Florida. While there, they enjoyed volunteering at the Bradenton Pirates stadium during the team’s spring training.

Lew was a remarkable individual who possessed a genuine care for others and had an incredible ability to remember and connect with people. During his time at Saint Bonaventure University, Lew made a lasting impact on the lives of countless students. He took the time to personally get to know each and every one of them, and his genuine interest in their well-being extended beyond the classroom. He enjoyed engaging in conversations with students on a daily basis, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Some would say Lew knew everyone. He always took the time to stop and visit with people he knew and even those he didn’t know. He would often inquire about their families and how they were doing, showing a deep level of compassion and empathy. Lew’s presence will be greatly missed, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those he touched.

Lew is survived by a daughter, Diane (Michael) Moses of Allegany and a son, Lewis E. “Gene” (Sharon) Snyder, Jr. of Olean; three grandsons, Jamie (Erin Ross) Moses of Hawaii, Patrick (Julie Barber) Moses of Williamsville, and Christopher (Jill Kreps) Moses of Bryn Mawr, PA; three granddaughters, Melissa Snyder Schmitt of Watertown, Christina (Benjamin) Snyder Collins of Olean, and Gina (Brian) Snyder Carey of Olean; and ten great-grandchildren, James Moses, Ella Moses, Andrew Moses, Liam Moses, Evie Lue Moses, Josephine Moses, Leander Moses, Edison Schmitt, Theodore Collins, and Callan Carey.

He was predeceased by his wife Luella; his parents, Luther and Margaret; the parents that raised him, Susan and Martin; and two step-brothers, Vernon Falk and Willard Falk.

Family will receive friends on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 10 – 11a.m. at The Immanuel Lutheran Church, 419 Laurens St. Olean. A memorial service will begin at 11a.m., with Rev, Gerard leFeber officiating. Private burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany.

Memorials if desired may be made to the Allegany American Legion Post # 892, 4350 Route 417, Allegany, NY, 14706 or Immanuel Lutheran Church, 419 Laurens St. Olean, NY, 14760.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St, Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com