Leon John Snyder

Leon John Snyder, 81, passed away on July 5, 2016. He was born in Saylorsburg, PA, on August 7, 1934. His parents, Clayton and Eva Snyder, raised Leon and his siblings on a farm in Pennsylvania. Growing up, Leon spent lots of time working on the farm and playing baseball with neighborhood friends. His father was an auto mechanic, and inspired Leon’s love of classic cars as well as mechanical engineering.

After graduating from Pen Argyl High School, Leon went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University. He then spent 4 years in the Navy where he continued his education working with and testing guided missiles.

In the mid-1960’s, Leon moved to Los Angeles, and bought a home in the San Fernando Valley where jobs in the aerospace industry offered lots of opportunity. His first job was at Rocketdyne where he was involved with testing the Saturn 5 rocket. He then worked at Hughes Aircraft focusing on radar, smart bombs, and air-to-air missiles. Leon eventually returned to Rocketdyne where he finished his career working on the International Space Station.

Leon smiled easily and had a good sense of humor. He was a kid at heart, and loved every moment he spent with his grandchildren. He was generous with his time, and frequently volunteered to help family and friends. He loved his church and served on the Parish Council, and as Treasurer for many years. He would greet people every Sunday as they entered church and picked up a bulletin or bought a candle.

Leon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Claudine Snyder of Simi Valley; daughters Carol Stoddard of Glen Rock, NJ; Laura Wade and her husband Matthew of Simi Valley; grandchildren Katharine, Megan, and Andrew Stoddard of Glen Rock, NJ and Madison and Jessica Wade of Simi Valley; brother Lester Snyder and his wife Christl of Zellwood, FL; and sister Bertha Mackes of Bluffton, SC.

A memorial service will be held at St. Innocent Orthodox Church in Tarzana, CA at 7:00 pm Friday, July 22, followed by a funeral service at the same location at 10:00 am Saturday, July 23.

Instead of sending flowers, the family would like donations to be made to The American Diabetes Association.