Ralph R Snyder, Jr.

Ralph R. Snyder, Jr., age 76, of Duncannon, passed away at home with his wife by his side on May 16, 2026. Born at home on December 21, 1949, to the late Ralph R. and Catherine (Troutman) Snyder, Sr. of Marysville, Ralph is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Donna Jean (Cless) Snyder; son, Stan M. Snyder and his wife, Stefani Roth, of Fairfax, VA; four grandchildren: Samuel H. Snyder of Washington, DC, and Seth E. Snyder, Sarah S. Snyder, and Sydney E. Snyder, all of Fairfax, VA; and six siblings: Patricia Borrell (David) of New Bloomfield, Teresa Monaco (Darrell) of Shermans Dale, Mary Hurst (George) of Hummelstown, Susan Kaveney (Steve) of Harrisburg, Phillip Snyder (Bonnie) of Dauphin, and David Snyder (Kathy) of Marysville. He will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Ralph graduated with the 1967 class of Susquenita High School. He continued his education at Harrisburg Area Community College. Uncle Sam drafted him to serve, and he proudly joined the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971 as a Construction Draftsman, and then in the Army Reserves through 1980. While serving in the Army, Ralph earned the following decorations, medals, badges, commendations, citations, and campaign ribbons: Good Conduct Medal, awarded to enlisted soldiers who displayed exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity over a period of continuous active service; Sharpshooter Rifle Badge, recognizing skill and accuracy with a rifle; National Defense Service Medal, presented for honorable active-duty service during designated periods of national emergency; and Expert Grenade Badge, signifying the highest level of proficiency in hand grenade training and qualification.

Upon his return to civilian life, Ralph joined Michael Baker International, Inc. of Harrisburg as a Surveyor and continued his career as a civil engineer, contributing to bridges, tunnels, and other major infrastructure projects throughout Pennsylvania. His professional work included projects such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike tunnels and Beaver Stadium, home of the Penn State Nittany Lions. He retired in 2011 with 36 years of service. He was also a former member of American Legion Post 340 of Duncannon.

Ralph was a history buff who enjoyed reading biographies and learning about the past. He was especially interested in military history, Civil War history, local histories of Perry County, and in particular, the work of Roy Chandler. His Roy Chandler book collection was one of his most prized possessions. He enjoyed hiking, hunting deer and small game, feeding the birds, working on projects around the house, and looking for one-of-a-kind finds at garage and estate sales. He loved a good meal and especially enjoyed going to a buffet from time to time. Ralph also had a lifelong interest in firearms and specialty coins, and he took pride in caring for his collections with patience, precision, and attention to detail.

Ralph’s public viewing will be held Friday, May 22, in the chapel of Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc. in Loysville from 10 AM to 12 PM. The funeral service will begin promptly at 12 noon, with Pastor Rafe Sanderson officiating. Interment will follow the service at Bloomfield Cemetery with full military honors. The family requests memorial donations be made to Perry County Honor Guard, c/o VFW Post 7463, 71 Soule Road, New Bloomfield, PA 17068.

Arrangements entrusted to Nickel Lochstampfor Family Funeral Home, Inc.

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