Born in Gordon, he was the son of Paul and Grace Dornsife Snyder. He was a graduate of the former Gordon High School, and was a lifelong employee of the Reading Railroad, later becoming the Conrail Rail System.
Howard worked as a Brakeman, Flagman, and Conductor through the era of steam powered locomotives and into the diesel electric powered engines of today’s trains. Retiring in 1992, he was inducted into the Railroaders' Hall of Fame in 2021 at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.
He enjoyed hiking with his brothers, trains, and history. He could be found exploring the Gordon Mountain, particularly the former Gordon Plane, a rail system for lifting coal from Gordon to Minersville. Howard and his wife Joan enjoyed fishing and boating trips to Canada and New York. Following his retirement, they traveled extensively across the United States. Howard was an active Amateur Ham Radio Operator with his call sign being WB3LUJ.
Survivors
Wife: Joan Bailey with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage, May 2022
Daughter: Karen wife of James Lombardo, Litiz
Daughter: Lynn wife of Danny Grove, York
Sister: Mary Brown, Hegins
Sister: Eleanor wife of Fred Wonn, Pottsville
Sister: Juleann Schaeffer, Tower City
Brother: Paul Snyder, Locust Gap
Brother: Robert Snyder and his wife Mary, Big Mine Run
Granddaughter: Andrea wife of Aaron Ebling
Granddaughter: Regina wife of Michael Shellenberger
Grandson: Derek Grove
Grandson: Devin Grove and his Fiancé Hunter Ness
Great Grandchildren: Anthony and Alina Ebling, Heidi and Cohen Shellenberger
Nieces and Nephews
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Funeral service, October 21, 2022, at 11 AM., in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Pastor Susan Hocking, of the Simpson United Methodist Church, Gordon. Visitation in the funeral home will begin at 9 AM until service. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Compassus Health Care, 500 Hawk Ridge Drive, Hamburg, PA., 19526.
Survivors
Wife: Joan Bailey with whom he celebrated 70 years of marriage, May 2022
Daughter: Karen wife of James Lombardo, Litiz
Daughter: Lynn wife of Danny Grove, York
Sister: Mary Brown, Hegins
Sister: Eleanor wife of Fred Wonn, Pottsville
Sister: Juleann Schaeffer, Tower City
Brother: Paul Snyder, Locust Gap
Brother: Robert Snyder and his wife Mary, Big Mine Run
Granddaughter: Andrea wife of Aaron Ebling
Granddaughter: Regina wife of Michael Shellenberger
Grandson: Derek Grove
Grandson: Devin Grove and his Fiancé Hunter Ness
Great Grandchildren: Anthony and Alina Ebling, Heidi and Cohen Shellenberger
Nieces and Nephews
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Funeral service, October 21, 2022, at 11 AM., in the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Officiating will be Pastor Susan Hocking, of the Simpson United Methodist Church, Gordon. Visitation in the funeral home will begin at 9 AM until service. In lieu of flowers, memorials contributions may be made to Compassus Health Care, 500 Hawk Ridge Drive, Hamburg, PA., 19526.