Former Jefferson County Coroner and Reynoldsville Mayor Bernard Snyder has passed away.
Bernard P. Snyder, age 70, of Reynoldsville, PA, passed away peacefully during the morning hours on Friday, January 11, 2019, at his home in Reynoldsville, PA.
He was born on November 16, 1948 to the late Paul E. and Mary A. (Faith) Snyder in Washington Twp., Jefferson Co., PA. On June 12, 1971, Bernie married Joyce A. (August) Snyder and after forty-seven years of dedicated marriage, Joyce survives him.
After graduating from High School, Bernie attended mortuary school and became a licensed funeral director. He began working for the Eugene Smith Funeral Home on Main Street in Reynoldsville. In 1975, Bernie purchased the business and renamed it the Bernard P. Snyder Funeral Home. He owned and operated the business until his health made the work difficult. In April of 2018, Bernie sold the funeral home, but continued to live and help in ways of guidance and clarification.
Throughout all this time, Bernie was a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. He was also a member of the local Jefferson-Clearfield Counties Funeral Directors Association. Bernie hung in the funeral home recognition as a member of the British Institute of Embalmers and the International Order of the Golden Rule. He was a life member of the Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department in Reynoldsville, PA and was a member of the Jefferson County Planning Commission from 1981 until 1986. He was also a member of the Jefferson County Department of Public Assistance.
On March 17, 1988, Bernie was appointed Mayor of Reynoldsville at 11:00am to fill Gloria Rankus’ term. When the term was finished, he ran and won the subsequent elections, finishing his final term on December 31, 1997. For over 20 years, Bernie provided the treats and candy that the Reynoldsville Fire Department and Reynoldsville Ambulance used during the Halloween and Christmas Parade. He was an active member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Reynoldsville, PA, and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #935 and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #519, both located in Reynoldsville, PA. Bernie was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Council #0965 4th degree K of C in Franklin, PA as well.
He was elected as Jefferson County Coroner in November of 1997, taking office on January 2, 1998. Bernie served as coroner for twenty years before retiring in January of 2018 holding the record for the longest active coroner in Jefferson Co., PA.
He was also a member of the Jefferson Co. Area Agency on Aging from 1995-2005. In 2000, he served as Co-Chairman of the Jefferson Co. Child Death Review Team. Bernie was elected president of the Jefferson County Development Council in January of 2001. He led his life in a way of always giving of time, talents, and resources to help his community. Bernie loved the whole area in which he lived, served, and worked. He especially loved the people that he was honored to be leader, funeral director, and friend to. His legacy will be remembered for many years to come, while his example will continue forward in the minds and hearts of those who knew him. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and he was very proud of them all. Bernie will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife Joyce, Bernie is survived by three children; Bernard P. Jr., (Kristy) Snyder of DuBois, PA; Mary J. Snyder of Raleigh, NC; Toni A. Snyder of Hermitage, TN; two grandsons; Jacob P. and Brady M. Snyder of DuBois, PA; and one brother; Laird (Karen) Snyder.
In addition to his parents, Bernie is preceded in death by three brothers; Donald E. Snyder, Richard Snyder, William W. Snyder; and one sister; Joann Ritter.
Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, from 2 – 4pm and 6 – 8pm at the Snyder – d’Argy Funeral Home, 206 E. Main St., Reynoldsville, PA 15851. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 607 E Main St, Reynoldsville, PA 15851, beginning at 11:00am and officiated by Father Bill Barron. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Reynoldsville, PA 15851. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.snyderdargy.com
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