Robert Snyder (1923 to 2010) It is with a heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Harold Snyder. On July 26, 2010, Bob passed away peacefully in his Indio, California home surrounded by his family. Dad, born in Chicago on Feb 15, 1923 was known as a world traveler. His travels started at the early age of 13 where he spent a year living with his cousins in Reno, Nevada. While attending Sullivan High and prior to his 17th birthday, he convinced his parents, Herman and Rose to approve early enlistment into the U.S. Army to fight in WWII. He was a proud member of the 33rd/Americal Division, 132nd Infantry Regiment. He spent the next three years fighting in various places in the South Pacific. He was wounded twice, once on the island of Guadalcanal and then again on the island of Bougainville. Dad only started talking about the war in his later years. That is only when we learned while in the South Pacific he was awarded the Silver Star for saving the lives of two of his fellow fallen servicemen. This was in addition to the two Purple Hearts he had received for being wounded in action. On January 6, 1950 Bob married his sweetheart Ruth Berkowitz and after a few years of living in Mattoon, Illinois they, with his dog Quint and moved west to California traveling old route 66. Dad and mom ended up in San Pedro, California, where they spent the next 40 years raising their three children. The Snyder’s were always proud of being one of the founding members of Temple Beth El. Bob had a full and wonderful life. When he wasn’t swinging a hammer, building houses, and developing his successful contracting business of 50 years: he was flying his private plane, driving his daughter to springboard diving competitions, coaching little league, participating in car rallys, playing golf or tennis with his buddies, barbecuing, or traveling the world with his family. He and Ruth loved traveling so much that in 1980 they opened and operated a successful travel agency in San Pedro. Bob and Ruth’s love for the Palm Springs region started in the 50’s. In the 60’s they made numerous trips to the region through their tight group of friends known as the “Poker Club”. Then in 1978 they bought the family a small condo and they haven’t left since. They moved permanently to the desert in the early 1990’s. After Ruth’s death in 1996, Bob spent much of his time at Suncrest County Club playing golf and entertaining his golf buddies. In addition, he honed newly acquired computer skills and published various newsletters and fun-sheets. This is also when he helped start the ‘Tuesday Night’ men’s club. This exclusive men’s club was known for eating at only the nicest, most expensive restaurants like Costco and Denny’s. In 2006, Bob moved to Sun City Shadow Hills where his charmed life continued. This is where he met the love of his later life, Agnes Russell. After a short courtship, the happy couple eloped to Las Vegas. He truly loved Agnes and never wanted to be too far away from his new bride. Agnes, an avid dancer, attempted to turn dad’s ‘Jewish shuffle’ into something more. They danced numerous times a week until the very end. Bob is preceded in death by Ruth, his wife of 47 years, and his sisters Marsha and Gloria. Bob leaves behind his current wife, Agnes Russell Snyder, two sons Steve (Mark), Hal (Liz), a daughter Ellen (Tom), and four grandchildren; Kimberly, Kenneth, Samantha and Joshua. He also leaves his new extended family through his recent marriage to Agnes that includes 5 daughters, 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A special Thank You to Christine Pierson, for the unwavering compassion and support she gave to her mother and the entire Snyder family. Visitation for dad will be on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Forest lawn Mortuary located at 69855 E. Ramon Rd, in Cathedral City Ca. This will be followed later by a private graveside ceremony for his family. A celebration of Bob’s life is scheduled from 1:00 to 3:00 tomorrow (July 29th) at the SunCity Shadow Hills restaurant ‘Shadows’ at the golf course. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can donate through website: http://los.llsevent.org/RHSnyder.