Thomas L.
Snyder

Thomas L. Snyder

August 5, 1944 – September 17, 2026

Thomas L. Snyder, age 82, a longtime resident of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born on August 5, 1944, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Leonard A. and C. Veronica Snyder.

Known to everyone as Tom, he grew up in Laurence Harbor, New Jersey, and graduated from Sayreville High School. In April 1966, the United States Army drafted Tom. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and he subsequently served in Vietnam as an ammunition truck driver and with an honorable discharge in January 1968.

Following his military service, Tom married Ann and earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Newark College of Engineering, now the New Jersey Institute of Technology, while working during the day for Public Service Electric and Gas in Newark, New Jersey. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and later earned an MBA in Finance from Drexel University.

Tom and Ann lived in New Jersey before his career brought them to Wheaton, Illinois, where they made their home for the next 45 years. He served as Director of the Nuclear Projects Business Unit at Fluor from 1984 to 1994 and Director of the Pulverizer Business Unit at Alstom Power from 1994 to 2001. He subsequently worked as an engineer at Sargent & Lundy in Chicago from 2001 until his retirement in 2016.

Tom was an active member of the Wheaton community and a longtime parishioner of St. Michael Catholic Church. He was deeply involved in his sons' activities as they grew up, coaching their soccer teams and participating in Boy Scout Troop 23 at First Presbyterian Church. He traveled to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with each of his sons, creating cherished memories that he spoke of often throughout his life.

Tom had a lifelong passion for photography and was an active member of the Central DuPage Camera Club, where he served as president for several years.

His love of sailing began in childhood, when he spent time on the water with his father in New Jersey. He carried that passion throughout his life, preferring sailboats to motorboats and spending many years sailing on Lake Michigan with Ann.

Tom and Ann also shared an enthusiasm for Porsches. As members of the Porsche Club of America, Chicago Region, they participated in numerous rallies, winning several competitions together over the years. Tom especially enjoyed the friendships, tours and social events that came with the club. He was also a member of American Legion Post 556 and enjoyed playing golf at Arrowhead in the "Old Guys" league.

Together, Tom and Ann explored the world, traveling to New Zealand, Australia, Bali, Hong Kong, South Africa and destinations throughout Europe. They enjoyed discovering new places, experiencing different cultures and creating lasting memories together.

Tom is survived by Ann, his wife of 58 years; his sons, Michael (Ruby) and Kevin (Monica); his four grandchildren, Mia, Finn, Henry and Abby; and his sister, Judy. He was preceded in death by his brother, James.