David Snyder, true dog lover

David Snyder, 75, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, Feb. 12, 2024. Born in York, Pa., to the late William D. and Hannah C. Snyder, he is survived by sisters, Barbara Hoffman of Harbeson, and Sally Snyder, Red Lion, Pa.; niece, Julie Saragosa, Lancaster, Pa.; nephews, Andrew Snyder of Spring Grove, Pa., and Richard Hoffman of Fort Collins, Colo.; as well as several great-nephews and -nieces.

David attended Dover (PA) High School and graduated from Penn State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in food science. This education in the technical aspects of food research and development led to his successful career of 38 years in the food industry with well-known names such as Ragu, Vlasic, and Nabisco. Before retiring in 2010, he worked for 15 years for Roche Vitamins/DSM as a technical services manager. He enjoyed his work in the food industry immensely.

After retirement, David relocated to Delaware, where he bought a seven-acre plot of land. It’s where he continued with the two passions of his life, karate and dogs. He began studying Isshinryu karate at 45, achieving the rank of Rokyu Dan (sixth-degree black belt).

David was well-known for his great love of dogs. Starting at a young age, he had an almost continual string of boxers in his life, usually having at least two in his loving care; nearly all were rescues. In retirement, David passionately volunteered at least three days each week at local animal shelters, helping to exercise and socialize the dogs. Watching dogs, especially those that had been at the rescue for a long time, get adopted by new families was a highlight of his efforts and was something that he took great pride in.

You can honor David and his lifelong commitment to dogs by simply spending time with a dog, or sending a donation (either money or dog treats) in his name to First State Animal Center and SPCA, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, DE 19934, and by honoring the motto “Don’t shop… adopt!”