Donald E. Snyder

June 27, 1933-Aug. 2, 2023

Donald E. Snyder, 90, Vero Beach, Florida, formerly of Altoona, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 2.

He was born in Huntingdon, the son of the late Otto and Marie (Skelley) Snyder. Donald was happily married to Doris J. Steckroth on July 26, 1958, she preceded him in death on August 13, 2019.

Donald is survived by a son, Erik M. Snyder of Altoona and daughter, Janel D. Long (Richard Dance) of Dysart; three grandchildren: Tyson Long (Margaret), Gage and Hunter Snyder; and a brother, Dr. Robert Snyder, PhD (Judy) of Cincinnati, OH.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie Carnevale.

Don was a graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and graduated in 1952. From 1953-55 he served in the United States Marine Corps. He then attended Penn State University. Employed in 1957 by Stanley Electric, Don became plant manager in 1965 and General Manager in 1969. In 1976 Stanley Electric closed operations and Don started his manufacturing company, Lumax Industries, Inc. He remained active in the business he loved, coming into the office regularly, including on the day of his passing. He was proud to have helped professionally develop Lumax staff members and provide local skilled labor jobs to hundreds of employees over the years.

Don was very active in the Altoona community. He served as President of Industrial Relations Association, Blair County Chapter; past President and Campaign Chairman of the United Way of Blair County; Director on Altoona-Blair County Chamber of Commerce from 1983-1988, as well as receiving man of the year award. In 1983 Don was appointed a founding member of the Central Pennsylvania Medical Foundation, Inc. and served there until his election to the Altoona Hospital Board of Trustees in 1985. Also, in 1983 Don was awarded Small Businessperson of the Year for the Southern Alleghenies. Don served as Chairman of the Board of Home Nursing Agency and member of their board of trustees from 1987-1993. His accomplishments within the Blair County Chamber of Commerce brought his induction into the Blair County Business Hall of Fame in 2001. He also served on the boards of Penn State – Altoona, Mid-State Bank and Mount Aloysius College.

Don was generous outside of the Altoona community, primarily with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Father Flanagan’s Boys Town. Other interests for him included golfing, with memberships at Scotch Valley and Vero Beach Country Club. He was an avid sports fan, being a season ticket holder for Penn State football games for many years. Don cherished his time with family and his many friends in Altoona and also in Vero Beach, FL where he owned property for several years. His gathering and hosting (with Doris) of annual Christmas Eve parties for family and friends will always provide special memories for so many of us. Don was a loving husband, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7 pm, Monday, August 14, 2023 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5519 6th Ave., Altoona, Pa. 16602 with Fr. Justin Treon, celebrant. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.

The family suggests that contributions, in lieu of flowers, be made in Don’s memory to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105/www.stjude.org/memorial.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family Funeral Homes Facebook.