PHONE: (908) 852-3361
FAX: (908) 852-4117
905 High Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Snyder, Lester November 29, 1930 - September 10, 2022

Lester Snyder of Hackettstown, New Jersey passed away on September 10, 2022 with his beloved wife Joy holding his hand as he left this world.

Les was born on November 29, 1930 in Port Murray, New Jersey the son of Minnie and Wesley Snyder and spent his entire life living and working in the Hackettstown area.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years “Joy” Mildred Snyder, one brother, Robert Snyder, also his son, Lester A. Snyder and his wife Sue, daughter, Sandra O’Brien and her husband Ray, two stepchildren, Dawn E. Croft and her husband Paul and Daniel Roorda, grandchildren, Joshua Jarrell, Paul Snyder, Rebecca Stone, Sara Stone and Emily Stone and several step grandchildren, also great grandchildren, Carson and Fiona Busch, Eleanor Stone, Madison and Kennedy Jarrell.

Les is predeased by his parents, Wesley and Minnie Snyder, his former wife and mother of his children, Barbara Snyder and brothers, John Snyder, Richard Snyder, sisters, Eva Dorcas, Helen Kowalick and Dorothy Frankenfield.

Les is a retired Police Officer for the Town of Hackettstown and also worked for the Warren County Sheriff’s Department in Belvidere as an Undersheriff. Les was always contributing his entire life to others. He is a former Grand Master for the NJ Masons and also a former Member of the Masonic Grand Staff for the State of New Jersey, Board member for the American Legion Post 164 in Hackettstown, and also Member of the Tin Can Sailors and VFW. He was the oldest Volunteer Fireman in Hackettstown and also one of the first inductees into the Hackettstown Senior Hall of Fame in the early 1990’s, for all of his volunteer work in the Hackettstown Community over the years. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict being honorably discharged in 1955.

Over the years of their marriage, Les and Joy had the opportunity to travel to just about every state in the U.S. While attending all of his Navy reunions. They also were able to travel to Ireland, Bermuda and Hawaii as well.

Lester wore many hats in his lifetime but the most mentionable would be his role as a Police Officer for his town, his love of family and his great personality. He loved everyone and everyone loved Les.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Paster Jisun Nam officiating.

Burial will be at Pequest Union Cemetery in Great Meadows, NJ following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the New Jersey Firemans Home, 565 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton, NJ 07005 in memory of Les.

Condolences(42)

  1. REPLY
    Chick and Linda Dimiceli says

    Lester was a lifetime friend He was always a happy go lucky guy He did a lot of stuff for the town He was hackettstown finist He will be missed God bless you Lester

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      That he was! Our family will miss my Dad so very much😪 He is now at peace.

  2. REPLY
    David Tynan says

    To the entire Snyder family, my condolences on the loss of “Les”, a good man and friend. May he Rest in Peace !!

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you David. We will all miss him

      • REPLY
        Roni and Bill Skinner says

        Lester was a very good man. Great Policeman, great friend to have. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincerest Condolences to the Family. Rest in Peace.

  3. REPLY
    Jim and Chris Sharkey says

    Lestor was the type of person everyone loved. He did a great deal for Hackettstown as a Police Officer and Fireman along with several civic organizations. He was a kind soul. Our condolences to Joy and his family. Les will be so missed by so many. Rest in peace Brother.

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you for your kind words Jim & Chris. My Dad will surely be missed. Hackettstown will never be the same.

  4. REPLY
    Paul & Robin Wallace says

    Dear Snyder Family
    My Wife Robin and I were so very saddened to hear of Mr. Lester”s passing, Hackettstown has lost a true treasure,.
    A great member of the Hackettstown Police Department, from whom he would of course retire, a Great member of the Hackettstown Fire Department, and so many more.
    Though we all feel this loss, the true sting is still yours, and our words can never ease this.
    We ask our FATHER in Heaven to comfort You all as only HE can, through Christ our LORD.
    GOD Bless

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you Paul & Robin….your message says it all ❤

  5. REPLY
    Joe Lake Jr. says

    Lester my good Friend, Brother Police Officer and Fire Fighter we had a lot of good times, laughs and adventures over our lifetime of friendship. Did you ever think that when you gave me my first traffic summons back in 1965 that I would join you in the Brothership of the Blue! I remember well the encouragement you gave me when I told you I wanted to be a Trooper. I remember well the counseling you gave me when I would have questions rega
    rding LE issues. I also remember the friendship that developed between our families over the years, the family picnics at the Snovers and keeping an eye on Janet & Joe III while I was working at Sussex Station. Farewell Les you will be missed. Sincere condolences to Joy, young Les, Sandy and the rest of the family.

    Joe & Janet Lake & family.

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      So beautiful to hear how my Dad touched everyone’s life in some way. Our family will carry on his legacy forever. He is now at peace.

  6. REPLY
    Jamie Naughright says

    Mr. Snyder was an exceptional man. My father and Mr. Snyder shared common journeys from serving our country as well as volunteering and pioneering Warren and Morris county volunteer firefighting and rescue work. I highly respected his zero tolerance for domestic violence. When I moved to Hackettstown from Long Valley in the summer of 1977 at the age of 7, he was always that officer who greeted you with kindness. His dedication to the fire department inspired me along with my father’s dedication to join the Knoxville Volunteer Rescue Squad. I spent many years watching Mr. Snyder and other march in the parades throughout New Jersey. The artist, Ann Reeves, captures eloquently the spirit of people like Mr. Snyder who truly made a difference in the historical journey of firefighting without compensation. With the passing of pioneers like Mr. Snyder, Bob Sheldon, Mr. Kucharski, Mrs. Billows and several others throughout Warren and Morris County, their legacy continues with their children, grandchildren and many others who work hard to keep this area of the Garden State safe in all areas of service…fire, rescue, first aid and law enforcement. Thank you Mr. Snyder for taking the time to show me your truck collection and for enlightening me. As you rest near the field of dreams, we are all inspired by your community service. Best to the entire family, friends and community. Sincerely, Dr. Jamie Naughright, AT/R, Deputy Ace, Detective Deweesie, Sheriff Judd Crowley and Shiva

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Such beautiful words Jamie ❤ You made me smile!

      • REPLY
        Jamie Naughright says

        Anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask.jnaughright@gmail.com

      • REPLY
        Jamie Naug]hright says

        Anything I can do please do not hesitate to ask

      • REPLY
        Jamie Naug]hright says

        I hear to help

  7. REPLY
    Christine LaBadie and family says

    Joy and family,
    I’m so saddened to hear about Les! He was the nicest person I ever have known even was he was an officer and pulled me over many many years ago! You and your family are in my prayers and may Les Rest in Paradise!

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you Christine ❤

  8. REPLY
    Dawn trautman says

    Sorry for lost

  9. REPLY
    Dave leach says

    Rest In Peace Lester. Your an awesome person who will be sincerely missed. Who’s going to tell me don’t get old now. Lol. We got your back bro. Go do your heavenly angel duty. Your earthly duty will be remembered forever.

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you for your kinds words Dave ❤

  10. REPLY
    Karin Schardt says

    Dear Joy & family. Bob & I are sending our deepest condolences for the loss of Les. Bob & he had many good times at the Lodge. He will be deeply missed.

    • REPLY
      Holly Dillon ( Edmunds ) says

      Dear Joy, Dan and family,

      I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Les. My heart is broken. Les was a sweet and kind man who would often come by or home on Lafayette and Miller Street when he was working to visit with my Pop. He world let me turn the lights on in the car and flip on the sirens if I hung outside long enough pestering
      them both before being sent in the house by my Pop. I know Les and my Pop are once again trading stories up in Heaven Of their glory days on the PD.

      On behalf of my Mother Harriet, myself, my brother’s Jonathan and Matthew we send our heart felt condolences.

      May the memories of Les bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
      Les may be gone but he will never be forgotten as he lives warmly in our hearts.

      With Deepest Sympathy,

      The Edmunds Family

  11. REPLY
    Alice Shook says

    To the Snyder,
    I’m so sorry for your loss. May your memories of your loved one help you through your time of sorrow. God has gained another Angel.

  12. REPLY
    Drew Hornung says

    I’m so sorry to hear this news.
    You were a wonderful guy. I always enjoyed running into you and our subsequent conversations.
    Thank you for your service to our town and our country.
    Prayers you Joy and your family.
    Rest In Peace Sir.

  13. REPLY
    Sharon Schlomer Housel & Pat (Florida) says

    To those whose hearts were touched by the loss of a great man, we are so very sorry. R.I.P. Lester

  14. REPLY
    Jackie Murtha says

    Snyder Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I got to know Les when I was working with him at Heath Village. He was very kind , thoughtful, and funny. He will be missed by so many.

  15. REPLY
    Traci says

    So sorry to hear of Mr. Snyder’s passing. Joy and family, may God bring you peace through this time.

    Traci Hale

  16. REPLY
    Pam Davis says

    My heart goes to you Joy, Les was an amazing man.
    You and Dawn and Danny and family are in my prayers always🙏🙏❤️

  17. REPLY
    Rob Eroh Hackettstown Fire Department says

    RIP Lester

  18. REPLY
    WENDY GENOVA says

    Joy, Lester Jr. , and Sandy…. Both my husband, Rich and I are very sorry for your loss. I do remember the great memories we all had on Christopher Street. Orazzi, O’Donnell, Ramage, Snyder and Reed….the Christopher Street gang….Peace to all of you.

    • REPLY
      Sandy Snyder O'Brien says

      Thank you Wendy. Those were great times growing up on Christopher Street. My Dad will be missed so very much 😪

  19. REPLY
    JOHN Pearce LAIRD says

    Lester was a true friend, not only to me and my family but to everyone he came in to contact with. We worked together as police officers, me in the State Police and Lester as a Hackettstown Patrolman. After we both retired we became even closer as Warren County Sheriff’s Officer. He was the best of the best and will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, Joy and his entire family I’m sure. Rest in peace my brother, well deserved for all the good you have done for so many, you will not be forgotten, until we meet again.

  20. REPLY
    paul stahl says

    Les was my double brother freemason and police officer
    In all my years i’ve known him the word NO was not in his vocabulary.
    He is now with St Michael the archangel watching over and protecting us
    My sincere condolances to JOy, and the entire family

  21. REPLY
    Penny Dennis says

    Sandy and family, Linda and I are so sorry for the passing of your dad Lester. He was a great man. Praying for all of you at this difficult time. Gob bless.

    • REPLY
      Penny Dennis says

      Sorry God Bless

  22. REPLY
    Ken Brown says

    Joy. From an old friend. Please accept my deepest condolences. May God be with you and your family.

  23. REPLY
    Claudia Conway & Butch Petersen says

    Our sincerest condolences. The town has lost one of the finest. God Bless.

  24. REPLY
    Joshua Jarrell says

    What a wonderful man, husband, father and Pop-Pop. The most generous and genuine person with his time, talents and treasures… the way God has instructed us all. I love you Pop-Pop!!

  25. REPLY
    Donald MacClellan says

    The MacClellan family send their condolences.

  26. REPLY
    Geoff Crawford says

    Words can’t say enough about all of the Sunday breakfasts and Legion meals. Miss this guy already.

  27. REPLY
    Cecilia McHale says

    Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sweet husband Lester. Joy this is John McHales wife. I wish we kept in touch. No words can express my sympathy to you and the family. I am so sorry.

Leave a Condolence