Senate Resolution No. 17

BY: Senator GRIFFO

CONGRATULATING Major Theodore C. Snyder upon the
occasion of celebrating his 100th Birthday on March
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.