The Honorable Donald William Snyder, 71, of Orefield, died at his home March 4, 2023, following several years of health complications.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years Nancy A. Snyder, his daughter Schelly A. Harrison and son-in-law John, his son Sean W. Snyder and daughter-in-law Claire, his three grandchildren Wyatt, Sydney, and Graham, and his siblings Richard J. Snyder and Susan E. Sawyer.

As a lifelong Lehigh Valley resident born in Greenawalds, he was proud to have spent his life engaged in various occupations and pursuits that allowed him to actively and personally give back to the local community.

He was honored to diligently represent the constituents of the Lehigh Valley’s 134th Legislative District through 20 years of service in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, from 1981 to 2000, including serving as House Republican Caucus Chairman from 1995-96 and as House Majority Whip from 1997 until his retirement from the legislature.

From 2000 to 2013, he served as president of Lehigh Carbon Community College where he applied his knowledge and passion for education policy matters to oversee the growth of the college and meet the needs of an ever-evolving student body.

His strong community service expanded outside of his formal occupations and into his work with organizations including serving on the boards of PBS39, the Lehigh County Historical Society, Good Shepherd, the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trail Council, and supporting numerous other organizations whose missions were focused on serving and improving the community through their work.

His belief in the immeasurable value of education was notable not only through actions taken via his professional endeavors but also through his own self-example, as he was a 1969 graduate of Parkland High School; a 1971 graduate of LCCC; a 1973 graduate of Penn State University; and a 1976 graduate of Lehigh University.

He graduated from Villanova University School of Law in 1982, and the Dickinson School of Law in 1989.

His strong faith served as his guiding compass, and he appreciated the church’s role in providing a steadfast community presence and fellowship.

As a member of Jordan United Church of Christ, South Whitehall, he held several leadership positions over the years.

His exemplary life contained many triumphs and struggles.

May his passion and courage inspire us all to love deeply, serve others and live fully.

To his family, he will be most remembered for his caring personality and sense of humor, the love and pride he held for his family, a strong work ethic, an appreciation for nature’s wonders and working outdoors, a desire to genuinely connect and empathize with friends and strangers alike, and interests including collecting pieces for his large-scale trains with “putz,” and travel.

Services will be March 11 at Jordan UCC, 1837 Church Road, Allentown, with calling hours 9-11:30 a.m.

Funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.

Condolences may be made to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network or to the Lehigh County Historical Society, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.

“We don’t need to leave a legacy for him ... he did it himself.”

Arrangements made by Keller Funeral Homes Inc., Fogelsville.