Obituary of Thomas A. Snyder

Thomas Albert Snyder, 69, of Willow Grove, succumbed December 29, following a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Born March 28, 1946 to Emily Madeleine Wacker and George Howard Snyder, Jr. of Glenside, PA. Tom is survived by his wife of 46 years Karan G. Snyder, brother, George H. Snyder, III and wife Sandi, nieces Melissa, Melanie and husband Ray Prodrutti, great-niece Molly; Terry, Henry and Scott Gordon of California, Kyle, Maryanne and Steven Gordon of Oregon and several cousins. Preceded in death by his parents and sister Jane. A native son of Rydal, PA, and a graduate of Abington High School, Tom attended Germantown Academy, Berwick Academy in Maine and the Wharton School of Business. Achieving Eagle Scout, Tom attended the World Jamboree in Greece. His experiences led to a lifelong interest in travel and cultural awareness. As an adult, he personally sponsored European trips for many young people who could not otherwise have had the opportunity. At the age of 16, he became a member of the Abington Volunteer Fire Department. His lifelong commitment led him to achieve 50-year status at the fire company in 2015. At the inception of the Pennsylvania EMT Program, Tom was the seventh candidate to become certified in the State. Following his studies at Wharton, Tom proceeded to work in the family set-up paper box company where he developed a passion for entrepreneurial endeavors. His career focused on packaging for medical devices for which he held various patents. Later his vision to aid and assist all volunteer firefighters led him to create "FMSA" Firefighters Management Services Association, a non-profit assists firefighters and/or their widows obtain benefits following a line-of-duty injury or death. In 1992, Tom became an exhibitor at the Philadelphia Flower Show with a small exhibit showcasing the genetic manipulation of tomatoes and chrysanthemums. The following year, the exhibit transformed from tomatoes to tulips and blossomed for the next 24 years. Highlighting the "little green Dutch house", was a massive colorful display of spring bulbs. The Dutch exhibit grew to be a showstopper and a favorite among attendees and garnered several awards over the years. In addition to the floral displays, Tom amassed an extensive art collection of Dutch landscapes during his many trips to the Netherlands. Professionally, Tom served most recently as an investment manager for an International bank. Always an advocate for the underdog, Tom will be missed for his generosity, loyalty and unending desire to serve his community. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 9, 2016, Helweg & Rowland Funeral Home, 1059 Old York Road, Abington, where friends will be received from 11 AM until the time of service. Interment will be in Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E. Ohio St., Chicago, IL 60611.