Donald L. “Duke” Snyder, 83, of Cabot, a well-known former Chicora resident, went to be with the Lord, Monday evening, December 5, 2022, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Donald was born in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, on December 30, 1938. He was the son of the late Floyd and Margaret (Turner) Snyder.
Following his graduation from Fairview Township Karns City High School, Duke enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country from 1957 to 1963, and earned the rank of Corporal.
Duke’s military occupation was with the 3531 Marine Corps Motor Vehicle Operators, where he drove various military vehicles. He was the first person in his family to attend college and graduated from Butler County Community College with an associate degree in welding. Duke was known for his creative welding skills along with his generosity in repairing parts for free. His most recognizable project was donating his time and skills welding the fire siren tower beside the Honor Roll in Chicora.
Duke retired after 31 years of service from Armco in Butler as a Maintenance Planner and welder. During the summer months, Duke was employed by Campbell Bus Lines in Slippery Rock where many groups requested Duke to drive for their tours due to his friendly demeanor. During his retirement years, Duke and his wife, Rita, would spend the winters in Florida with friends. One winter, they traveled through Israel, Petra, and various other religious sites.
Duke enjoyed camping with family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Happy Hunters in Fenelton. Later in life, he volunteered at the Butler VA Medical Center, greeting veterans and helping them get to their destination within the building. Duke had been a longtime, active member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chicora, where he served on the Cemetery Committee. He most recently became a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Cabot. Duke was a longtime, active member of the Argyle Lodge #540 F&AM in Chicora, where he held several offices, and was Worshipful Master of the lodge in 1978. He was a member of Lyndora American Legion Post 778. Duke was a charter member of the Marine Corps League, Bantam Detachment #743 in Butler where he served as treasurer, and volunteered annually with Toys for Tots. He was proudly recognized as Marine of the Year in 2006. Duke took great pride in his volunteer efforts and treated everyone with respect.
Duke is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Rita Kriley Snyder, whom he married at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Herman on June 16, 1962. Also surviving are four children, Donna Haid, and her husband, Mike, Brenda Stitt and her husband, Mark, all of Chicora, Daniel Snyder of Butler, and Dennis Snyder and his wife Amy of Kingston, Tennessee; Seven grandchildren, Corinne (Michael) Woodward of Chicora, Caitlyn (William) Hornick of Leechburg, Cody (Tiffany) Haid of Chicora, Melissa Collier of Pittsburgh, Brandon Collier (Fiancé Brittany Wiles) of Rimersburg, Morgan and Ava Snyder of Kingston, Tennessee; ten great-grandchildren: Hunter and Maverick Woodward, Brenna, Onorah, Ilanna, and William Hornick, Willow and Caroline Haid, Camden and Nyah Dawkins and Brinley Collier; two sisters, Laura (Harry) Wiles of East Brady and Martha (Frank) Kennedy of Renfrew, a sister-in-law, Rose Snyder and a brother-in-law, Charles Freiters.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray, John, and Floyd Snyder, and a sister Jane Freiters.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice for providing excellent compassionate care, and especially Megan, Rebecca, Nick, and Braelynn for helping make it possible to keep Duke in his home.
Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora-Fenelton Road, Chicora from 3-6 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2022. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 330 Hannahstown Road, Cabot with the Rev. Jared Townley, associate pastor, officiating.
Members of the Chicora and Bradys Bend American Legion posts will conduct a pass and review at 2:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Members of the Marine Corps League, Bantam Detachment #743 of Butler will accord full military honors following the service at St. Luke Church. The interment will be in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Duke’s name to St. Luke Lutheran Church, 330 Hannahstown Road, Cabot, Pa. 16023, or Good Samaritan Hospice, 134 Marwood Rd, Cabot, PA 16023.
For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com