Obituary of Charles Eaton Snyder, Jr.

Charlie Eaton Snyder, Jr. a resident of Norwalk, CT, formerly a long-time resident of Darien, died at his home on August 2. He was 81 years old. He was born on September 21, 1927 in Hartford, CT. He was the son of the late Charles Eaton Snyder and Edna Frances Knecht. A venerable "Connecticut Yankee" to his core, a true and proud patriot and veteran, a volunteer dedicated to community service, Charlie was a true Renaissance Man, whose hobbies included fine woodworking, gardening, restoring antique clocks, building and flying model airplanes, family genealogy, and World War II history. He was highly knowledgeable about anything asked of him, very well-known, respected, loved and admired by a vast network of business associates, fellow volunteers, many friends and family throughout his life. He was a member of the graduating class of 1945 at Darien High School, and upon his graduation, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy, serving during World War II and afterward as a Seaman 2nd Class, training new recruits in firefighting and safety. After his tour of duty, he attended New Haven State Teachers College and University of Connecticut. In 1947, Charlie joined the Hanover Insurance Company in NYC as an Underwriter, and did insurance underwriting for Queens, East Bronx, Rockland and Westchester Counties, and Staten Island. In October 1953 he joined his father's business, J.M. Anderson Co. Inc. in Stamford, CT and learned the insurance agency business, later becoming an independent agent. He later formed and staffed the Centennial Agency, an offshoot of J. M. Anderson Co. Inc. where he worked until his retirement. He sold J. M. Anderson & Co. and its assets and dissolved the corporation in 1998. In 1954 Charlie volunteered on the Health & Safety Commission of the Darien District Boys Scouts. With further training and other positions in this Darien District, he became Chairman where he controlled scouting activities within Darien and the Shaw Memorial Cabin. He left the Darien District H & S Commission to join the Executive Board of the Alfred W. Dater Council and served as Health & Safety Commission's Advancement Commissioner, and then Chairman of the Camping Commission when the council merged to become the Fairfield County Council of Boys Scouts of America. He was appointed Dining Officer at the Farragut State Park National Jamboree in Idaho in July 1969. In l973 he became a Camp Director for 1800 boys and leaders that included a wonderful volunteer staff. In 1977 he was appointed by the National Council as first Director of Emergency Transport & Care to work with the U. S. Army, and in 1981, as Dining Officer of the Western Region. Upon returning from the 1973 Boy Scout Jamboree, Charlie was asked by the Director of the Darien EMS Post 53 to be one of their adult leaders. He remained with Post 53 until 1993. Several years after joining Post 53, he became the Chairman of the Parents Committee, a position which he kept until his retirement in 1993. During his time at Post 53, he was an EMS Instructor and continued in that position for approximately 12 years. Charlie was pleased to be able to participate in the Annual Food Fair every Memorial Day held in Tilley Pond Park as Chairman of EMS Post 53's Food Booth. With the help of some great volunteer chefs, "Charlie's Ribs" sold a half ton of ribs and 12 gallons of the legendary "Charlie's Own BBQ Sauce" every year. During his time at Darien EMS Post 53, it was to his great pride and absolute delight that his daughter, Susan, become a member to advance and serve as President. Charlie did comment that this would have happened whether he was there or not !! After selling J.M. Anderson & Co. Inc in 1998, Charlie found himself retired and looking for a place where he could use his time to continue his community service. He then joined the Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence as a volunteer and was trained by the Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care of SW CT. It gave him great pleasure to use his many talents and skills as a businessman, handyman, comedian, and giver of hugs to everyone - patients, staff, volunteers and patient family members. He continued as a volunteer three days a week until March 2009 when he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. In recognition of his volunteer work at the Residence, the Mayor of Stamford, Dan Malloy, declared May 12, 2009 "Charlie Snyder Day", with Charlie being declared a "Hometown Hero" and interviewed for both Channel 12 News and The Stamford Advocate". Charlie is survived by his sister, Elvia Crowe, of Jensen Beach, FL; two daughters, Florence Fagan of Marston Mills, MA, and Susan Jones of St. Petersburg, FL; six grandchildren - Isaiah, Christopher, Anna, Mara, Trez and Dane; and three great-grandchildren, Rainey, Jaslin, and Alana. Two stepdaughters Barbara Hanson of Pelham, NH and Dorothy Roberts of Lantana, FL, also survive him. He also leaves behind his beloved companion of 27 years, Susan Worland, who, with her sons David and Scott, traveled extensively with him and shared many adventures around the globe - scuba diving, sailing, jungle treks and cruising, river rafting, photography, and their love of all things in nature.. birds, animals, and plants. His faithful companion of almost 15 years, Lady, his beloved dog, also survives him. Charlie was predeceased by his first wife, Elma Jane Abrams, whom he married on June 25, 1949. Their daughter, Linda Snyder, of St. Petersburg FL, predeceased them in 2005. His second wife, Charry Dresser Roberts, also predeceased him. Charlie and his family wish to acknowledge and give thanks to the very dedicated staff of people who took such loving and expert care of him during his illness: Susan Worland, Case Manager/Guardian Angel, Caretakers: Linor Marshall, Joe Letendre, Eloise and Bobby Knight, George Dupreh, ZaZa Chkikavadzhe, and Joel Noel, Phil Roberts and Ruben, a Red Cross volunteer driver . All of these individuals went beyond routine nursing care and created a environment of love, comfort , peace, happiness and humor. Also a heartfelt thanks to hospice volunteers and the many friends who came by to spend time with Charlie. A memorial celebrating Charlie's life will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10:30AM at Noroton Presbyterian Church, 2011 Post Road, Darien, CT. Burial will be private. Charlie and his family have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: Darien EMS Post 53 P.O. Box 2066 Darien, CT 06820 Richard L. Rosenthal Hospice Residence 33 Shelburne Road Stamford, CT 06904 Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820