Patrick Snyder passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022 at the age of 63 after fighting a courageous battle with brain cancer for the past 3 years. He was born William Patrick Snyder, Jr. in La Jolla, California to William Patrick Snyder Sr. and Mary Lou Snyder while Pat Sr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Once their tour ended, Pat Sr. and Mary Lou decided to move to Columbus, Indiana to grow their family and instill their children with strong Midwestern values. Patrick enjoyed an idyllic childhood where he loved to camp with friends, ride motorcycles, and play football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Pat and his 3 sisters: Lori, Sue and Beth loved having friends and family over as their mother, Mary Lou, was regarded as “one of the nicest ladies in Columbus” and their door was always open. The family was also able to have close relationships with their extended family as most resided in the Midwest as well. Pat graduated from Columbus North High School and received his undergraduate degree from Depauw University. He then started his graduate work at Indiana State University. During this time, Pat and his lifelong childhood friend Dennis Weisenberger, decided to take a trip out to Arizona to visit Pat’s grandparents. On this trip, they quickly understood why his grandparents would “Snowbird” here every winter and not long after, Pat and Dennis decided to relocate to Arizona. Pat would then go onto finish his MBA in Human Resources at Arizona State University. Shortly after that, Pat’s parents also found themselves moving to Arizona where Pat worked alongside his dad at the Cummins Southwest Distributorship. While working at Cummins, he met and married his wife, Dee. They enjoyed raising their daughter Katie and almost 31 years of marriage. Pat and Dee loved sports and passed that onto Katie. If Pat was not attending sporting events for his favorite teams; Notre Dame, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Suns, and Cardinals, you could find him coaching Katie in softball as well as teaching her volleyball, basketball, swimming, and golf. Pat had a passion for coaching and went on to coach many St. Francis and St. Thomas softball teams as well as many Veritas Preparatory Academy softball teams. Even after he stopped coaching, many girls would still refer to him as “Coach”. It was also during this very happy period in his life that he discovered the joy of working for non-profit organizations. He served as the HR Director at St. Mary’s Food Bank for many years where he had the pleasure of having his office next to the founder, John Van Hengel. As John was advancing in years, Pat became what was affectionately referred to as John’s “wrangler.” Pat and John would often drop Katie off at school and would spend quality time together until John’s time on earth ended. Pat viewed John as a mentor and was very grateful for all he was able to learn from him both professionally and personally. Pat would go on to work at Arizona State University, both in the Mary Lou Fulton Teacher College and the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. His illness became apparent while working at Circle the City and he had to retire; although his illness did not keep him from volunteering at the House of Refuge Sunnyslope during the first year of his cancer battle. He volunteered for as long as he could and truly “never met a stranger”. Something he credited Pat Sr. with instilling in him.
He is survived by his wife Dee, daughter Katie, sisters Lori (Rick) Hodge, Sue (David) Gerken, Beth Proffitt, and his lifelong friend Dennis Weisenberger. Pat also had many nieces and nephews who will miss their “Uncle Pat”. Pat’s many friends, colleagues, and players he coached should also be mentioned as they were a great part of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Mary Lou Snyder.
The family would also like to thank the staff at Paradise Living Centers and Hospice of the Valley for all of the care and love they showed Pat.
Visitation, including prayers and eulogies, will be held Friday, October 14, 2022, from 5 – 7 pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road in Phoenix, followed by a Guinness toast at Keegan’s, 3114 East Camelback Road, Phoenix. A memorial mass will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 East Campbell Avenue, Phoenix. Graveside services will follow immediately at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Pat’s Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 pm that same Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Aunt Chiladas, 7330 North Dreamy Draw Drive in Phoenix.
Donations in his honor will be graciously accepted by St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N 31st Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85009 www.firstfoodbank.org ; House of Refuge Sunnyslope, 9844 North 7th Place, Phoenix, Arizona 85020 refugesunnyslope.com, Circle the City, 300 West Clarendon Avenue Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85013 circlethecity.org; or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85014 www.hov.org
Cathy Knight
Dee
What a truly remarkable man Pat was!
His life was so full and now he can rest.
Many prayers of peace for you and Katie as you move forward closer to Heaven where he waits for you. Love, Cathy
Tracy Tomlinson
Sending my love and NM Hugs to the family. I was honored to know him since he married Dee. It was a pleasure to watch him light up when he saw Katie from the day she was born. He was and will be an inspiration for me. My deepest condolences to the family.
Debra Arp
Dee,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Pat led a very active and full life. He has left an emptiness to many of us as his light shone brightly. We are blessed for knowing his family.
John and Debbie
Keith Parks
Dee,
Following notification of Patrick’s passing I gave thought to some of our good days at Cummins. Patrick was a constant force of hard work and selflessness. My heartfelt sympathy go out to Patrick’s family, friends, so many others that have been a part of his life. I’ll always remember how he impacted me with his jokes, laughter, whatever fit the occasion. Best remembered was how Patrick conviently came up with business ‘that needs to be discussed over lunch’ at his favorite place, Truelich’s Steakhouse. Some things we just never forget – for as long as we have memories, they’ll live on in our heart.
My sincere condolences to you and family.
Keith
Tambra
Been thinking of you all with prayers and love.
Sandra Jorgensen Searle
Pat was truly an amazing friend and colleague. He had an amazing heart, was kind to everyone, and truly embodies the spirit of John van Hengel. I had the pleasure of knowing Pat while working at St. Mary’s Food Bank–and his spirit of love and kindness extended to all. Pat’s faith was unshakable and he lived life to the fullest. Dee and Katie–I am so sorry for your loss.
Jodie Bertrand and Raptor Softball
Although I had only met Coach Pat a handful of times I can surely say that he was well liked and well respected. One thing I know for sure is he raised a beautiful, talented well rounded daughter . Katie is the epitome of the perfectly coached daughter. On behalf of Raptor softball and myself, our sincere condolences.
Yvonne Jurrens
Dee & Katie,
You’re husband and father was one of the kindest souls I’ve been blessed to meet. Meeting you all at arthritis events seeing how invested he was in your health and well being Katie. Heaven gained back a great one.
The Jurrens Family
Sherry LaCombe
So saddened to hear of Pats` passing. The Snyder family made a big impact on Cummins. Pat sr. as a distributer. Mary Lou as an ambassador- everybody loved her,! and you Pat were his pride and joy ! Dee May you find comfort in Gods love and the comfort that we will all meet again some day!
Sherry lacombe
Sherry Lacombe
It was such a pleasure to know you and your family. Your dad as distributor principle for cummins and your mom as an ambassador- everybody loved her, and you were his pride and joy! those were the good old days!!
So sad to hear of your passing.
Dee, , may God help you through the tough times, and look forward to the time when we can all be together again.
Adolfo & Gloria Ortega Family
Dee & Katie,
Pat was truly an amazing man and colleague. I had the pleasure of knowing Pat while working at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. In addition to working together in different staff committees, we shared our passion for sports and our kids’ involvement in them. Pat was a man of strong faith and he lived life to the fullest to honor our Father. He was so proud of you Katie and his love for his ladies was immeasurable. Adolfo, (Husband), Nickolas (Son), Adrianna (Daughter), all met Pat on several occasions and we are all very sorry for your loss.
-Gloria
Joe Becko
Dee, I’m so sorry to hear about Patrick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Katie and the family. Both Patrick and Pat passed away way too young. What great leaders that touched so many peoples lives in a positive way. God Bless.
Pat Fehlhaber
What a wonderful man he was! He was kind, compassionate, and really cared about others. I was one of his coworkers at the food bank. His care of John van Hengel was to be admired. He made a difference in all of our lives.
Barbara Rodriguez
Dee & Katie, I was so saddened to hear of Pats passing. I had the honor and privilege of working for Pat. He was such a wonderful person with a gentle soul. Always smiling, always working for those less fortunate. He and I would often reminisce about John Van Hangel and how he impacted both our lives. The world has lost a truly great man. I’m sure God has welcomed him with open arms. Pat will be greatly missed, especially by those friends who loved and cared for him. May he Rest In Peace. Condolences and prayers to you both and your family.
Cynde Cerf
Pat was an incredible human. It was such an honor to work with him at St. Mary’s Food Bank. His kindness, care and compassion were inspiring. I always admired his genuine commitment to serving his community and treating all people with dignity. He was a gentle spirit with a fierce heart and I am certainly a better person for having known him. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Laura Schaefer Fox
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Pat was a very special person.
Darlene (Beier) Crouch
To Pat’s family & Dennis, I just learned of Pat’s passing. I always enjoyed him at St Columba and catching up at our high school reunions. I haven’t run into Susan back here to let her know how sorry I am to hear of his passing. I will have a Mass said here in his memory at St Bartholomew and add his name to our All Saints altar cloth that displays all those we love and have lost for the month of November. Lean on all the wonderful memories you have made with Pat over the years. You are in my thoughts and prayers.