Mr Raymond E. Snyder Jr.

Waterbury – Mr. Raymond E. Snyder, Jr, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, April 5. He was the husband of Mary (Opalack) Snyder.

Ray was born March 15, 1942 in Waterbury, son of the late Hon. Raymond E. and Helen (Wasilauskas) Snyder, Sr. A lifelong resident of Waterbury, Ray was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Grammar School and Crosby High School, class of 1960. While at Crosby, Ray excelled in football and was an All-State and All-American swimmer. He attended the University of Maryland and was a graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He worked with his father at the Snyder Funeral Home, and eventually became the owner and president until his retirement. In 1969, he started Snyder Pools from his home and with his family grew the business into what it is today.

Swimming was always a passion for Ray, he taught hundreds of children how to swim in his backyard pool and went on to a very successful coaching career at Croft High School, Crosby High School as well as Sacred Heart High School. Over the years, Ray has won many NVL and State Titles as both a swimmer and a coach. He has also coached hundreds of All-NVL and All-State as well as several All-American athletes. He has been honored with many accolades and awards over the years for his coaching. He was not just a coach; he was a mentor, a role model and a father-figure for countless swimmers and divers.

In addition to his wife, Mary, Ray is survived by two sons, Raymond E. Snyder III and his wife Arleen of Waterbury and Eric M. Snyder of Waterbury; one daughter, Romy B. Snyder of Waterbury; his sister, Elena S. Maclean and her husband Donald of Middlebury; two grandchildren, Raymond E. Snyder IV and Kiersten Snyder and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, April 10, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Loreto Church 12 Ardsley Rd. Waterbury. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

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