Honor Major Snyder’s 100th Birthday

18, 2017 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to commemorate and recognize certain milestones celebrated by citizens of this great Empire State; and WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Major Theodore C. Snyder upon the occasion of his 100th Birthday to be celebrated at a party held in his honor with family and friends on Saturday, March 18, 2017; and WHEREAS, Theodore "Ted" C. Snyder was born on March 16, 1917, in Copenhagen, New York, to the late Seymour and Mertie (Twitchell) Snyder; after graduating from high school, he began his career in carpentry, working in the Adirondack region; and WHEREAS, Ted C. Snyder proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II; he attended Officer Candidate School (OCS), and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Cannon Company of the 109th Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division; and WHEREAS, In October of 1943, Ted C. Snyder sailed on the Aquitania to the United Kingdom, where he met his future wife Joan; after their wedding in Wales, Ted departed for service in the European Theatre; and WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Ted C. Snyder fought in such battles as St. Lo, the Siegfried Line, the Huertgen Forest, and the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded while serving as a forward observer; and WHEREAS, For his meritorious role in the Battle of the Bulge and other battles, Ted C. Snyder was awarded the Silver and Bronze Star Medals for gallantry and heroism, the Purple Heart, and his most cherished personal award, the Combat Infantryman Badge; and WHEREAS, After the war, Ted C. Snyder and his wife returned to northern New York, and began to raise their family in Martinsburg, New York; the family then moved to Lowville, New York, where he established a successful carpentry business, building and remodeling many commercial businesses and homes in Northern New York; and WHEREAS, During this time, Ted C. Snyder remained active in the Army Reserves, leading the Military Police at Fort Drum; in 1977, he officially retired from the United States Army with the esteemed rank of Major; and WHEREAS, Ted C. Snyder continued building homes throughout Northern New York; after constructing his last home at the age of 71, he began to create custom furniture, and then crafted distinctive golf clubs; and WHEREAS, Today, Ted C. Snyder is a resident of the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility in Lowville, Ted C. Snyder enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge of both World War II and Northern New York with area historians and students at local schools; and WHEREAS, Ted C. Snyder, with his zest for life, has inspired and enhanced the lives of his family and friends; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his three daughters, Patricia Falton, Paula (George) Pontolillo, and Denise (Michael) Pierce; his five grandchildren, Elizabeth, Christopher, Michael (Rhonda), Jill (Greg) and Nicole (Rob); and eight great-grandchildren, Cody, Alyssa, Kaitlyn, Kiley, Jacqueline, Isabella, Dominic and Juliana; as well as his late wife, Joan, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his accomplishments; and WHEREAS, This distinguished man has experienced the incredible joys and sorrows characteristic of and reserved for those with the stamina and courage to savor a full life; and WHEREAS, Ted C. Snyder has enriched the lives of those around him through his joyous and sincere love for others and through the quiescent charm and wisdom which comes only from a fullness of years; and WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those who have reached such a remarkable age and who have witnessed and celebrated the innovations, cultural developments and awesome achievements of this country during the last century, while themselves contributing to the growth and excellence of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Theodore C. Snyder upon the occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Theodore C. Snyder.