Walter “Ray” Snyder, 84, residing in Sandusky, passed away Saturday evening, April 9, 2016 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

Ray was born on December 17, 1931 in East Cadiz, Ohio, to the late Walter C. and Essie (Miser) Snyder.

Ray graduated from Hopedale High School in Hopedale, Ohio, and attended the College of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio. He was a veteran of the Marines who proudly served his country during the Korean War. Ray owned and operated Snyder Insurance Agency in Steubenville for over 30 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served for years on the Hopedale City Council, and ran for Ohio State Representative. In his spare time, Ray enjoyed listening to political news and old comedy television shows and was an avid reader and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. His greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ray is survived by his wife of 57 years, Claire (Costantini) Snyder; daughters, Mary (Todd) Marshall of Maumee, Ohio, Diane Cimino of Cleveland, Ohio; sons, Walter G. (Tammy) Snyder of Sandusky and Leonard (Sherry) Snyder of Georgia; nine grandchildren, Micaela and Alec Marshall, Amanda and Frankie Cimino, Montana Snyder, and Joshua, Adam, Austin and Addison Snyder; two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Joshua; one sister, Mary Stover; special nieces, Gay Bossetti, Kay “Toots” Jones and Connie Hauber; his favorite companion, his dog, Max; and numerous other nieces, nephews, and relatives.

In addition to his parents, Ray is preceded in death by his sisters, Maxine Hatfield, Elsie Bish and Helen Thompson; his brother, Ross Snyder; and his nephew, Larry Hauber.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 14, from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12 p.m. at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky with Fr. Joe Steinbauer presiding. Burial will take place on Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m. in Greenwood Cemetery near Hopedale. Local arrangements by Clark-Kirkland Funeral Home, Cadiz.

Those wishing to contribute to Ray’s memory may do so to the Humane Society of Erie County 1911 Superior St. Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com and www.clark-kirkland.com.