Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Age 96, of Bethel Park died Monday, December 6, 2021. He left this world as he lived his life; quietly, with dignity and without fanfare. He was predeceased by his sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Mary Jane Lawless. John was born in Carrick on January 14, 1925, to the late Leo J. Snyder and Rose Krisanda Snyder. He attended St. Canice School, Knoxville Junior High and South Hills High School, from which he graduated in 1943. On his 18th birthday, John enlisted in the US Army. He served in the 389th Infantry Regiment, 98th Division, at first at Fort Benning. He was stationed in the Asia Pacific Theater (Kauai) where he trained intensively for the planned invasion of Japan. Once the war ended, he was sent to Japan for weapons destruction and other post war efforts. He qualified as an Expert Marksman and Tactical Machine Gun Expert. He was discharged in 1946 at the rank of Technical Sergeant. After his discharge, following intensive classwork to meet the entrance requirements, he enrolled in The Carnegie Institute of Technology where he earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. His first job was at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. When he left there, he joined the E.L. Weigand company. It was here he met his life’s love, Mary Jane. Although they weren’t yet dating, he would ‘secretly’ leave roses on her desk. He left Weigand’s for Westinghouse Bettis Atomic Power Lab in West Mifflin from where he retired in 1987. Because his work at Bettis was classified, when his children asked what he did for his job he would answer, “I unleash the secrets of the atom.” In a mysterious voice. He married Mary Jane on May 2, 1959, and they settled in Brookline while John designed their dream home that they built in Bethel Park in 1967. John was a man of many talents. He enjoyed photography, producing an annual family Christmas card that included elaborate props that he made. He was an excellent artist and created many beautiful paintings that won awards, and the hearts of those to whom they were gifted. He painted for several years with the Bettis Art League. He was a very active member of the boy scouts when he was young and his interest in nature and the outdoors continued throughout his life. He had an elaborate model train set up, was an avid reader and Civil War Buff, frequently rerouting trips to visit battlefields. He volunteered for many years on the counting team, and Carnival at St. Germaine Church and created an annual ornament for the babies baptized each year. He supported his wife, daughter and son in all of their endeavors. Family was always first and he and Mary Jane were devoted caregivers of his father for many years. He adored each of his six grandchildren and had individual, special relationships with each of them. He was the loving father of Mary Ann (Jim) Fort and John J. (Julie) Snyder; proud grandfather of Maria (Chase Stivers) Fort, Victoria (Dylan McKenzie) Fort, Alex (Maura George) Fort, Stephanie (Jack Rosenstein) Fort, John M. Snyder and Hannah Rose Snyder; brother of Rosemary (Eugene) Smith, Joanne Neiport and the late Leo (Katherine) Snyder. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Funeral prayer on Friday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Germaine Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Salt of The Earth Trust" established by the Fort and Snyder families in memory of Mary Jane Snyder. The trust will benefit the housekeeping, kitchen and maintenance staff of Deer Valley YMCA Camp. Donations can be made payable to the "Salt of The Earth Trust" and sent c/o Community Bank, 65 W. Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301.