Matthew Stephen Snyder, age 37, passed away after enduring a lengthy illness on November 29, 2022 under the care of Community Hospice in Jacksonville. Matthew was born on April 18th, 1985 in Orange Park, Florida to parents Jacqueline J. and Michael J. Snyder. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael J. Snyder, grandparents, Bob and DeVoe Collins, Carl Snyder, and Edith Snyder and aunt, Cristine D. Collins. Matthew Snyder attended elementary school and part of junior high in St. Johns County. He finished junior high and high school in Clay County. He graduated from Clay High School in 2004. After high school Matthew attended and graduated from Emergency Medical Technician school in Orange Park, Florida.
Matthew (Matt) started working at McDonalds in Fleming Island when he turned 16 years of age. At age 17, Matt was named the Employee of the Year from the management team of McDonalds. This was an award that he has always been proud of achieving at such a young age. Matt also worked in the service industry on Fleming Island and as an EMT until illness hindered his ability to work. In junior high school, he and his teammates won their age division in the Nike Air It Out flag football competition that was being played in Jacksonville, Florida. Matt loved playing flag football and baseball while growing up. Matt played both offense and defense positions on his various flag football teams. Matt also played shortstop and first base on his various baseball teams. His love of football carried over to his adult years. He loved to cheer on his favorite college football team the University of Florida Gators. His love of football also carried over to his favorite NFL football team the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Many of Matthew’s close friends have shared that they do not have a single memory from high school where Matt was not part of that experience. From church, ski trips, birthdays, holiday celebrations, work, school dances, to just hanging out Matt Snyder has been a true and loyal friend to all. He treated his friends as family and always made his friends feel welcome within his home and family unit.
Matthew’s greatest treasure in life is his son, Grayson Michael Snyder. His son Grayson was born on March 15, 2017 to Matt and Jordan R. Keller. Matthew treasured every minute that he was able to share in his son Grayson’s life. He also treasured the time that he was able to spend with his sister’s children, Brian Jr., Lucas, and Piper. He loved playing football, swimming, and just spending time hanging out with the kids. Matt also loved spending time together as a family. Maintaining holiday traditions with family and friends has always been important to him. He also loved taking family trips together although he was not really fond of extreme rollercoasters and didn’t like being a front row rider.
Matthew Stephen Snyder is survived by his son, Grayson Michael Snyder, his mother, Jacqueline J. Snyder, his sister, Michelle Nicole Shearin (Brain), three half brothers, Michael Jeffrey Snyder, Jr. (Melissa), Louis Scott Snyder, and Kevin Bradley Snyder (Leslie); two uncles, Gregory Collins (Jane), and Richard Collins (Debra); seven nieces and nephews, Brian Shearin Jr., Lucas Shearin, Piper Shearin, Mikayla Snyder, Macy Snyder, Owen Snyder, and Noah Snyder; eight first cousins, Nathan Collins (Kristina), Adam Collins (Brittany), Grant Collins (Katherine), Logan Collins (Andrea), Sally Doty (Benjamin), Cassie Malone (John), Katie Cooper (Gary), Kellie Henry (Christopher); and 14 second cousins, Owen Collins, Madeline Collins, Liam Collins, Kate Collins, John Collins, Lauren Collins, Thomas Collins, Theodore Collins, Sophia Collins, Eleanor Collins, Zachary Collins, Baylee Malone, Rylee Cooper, and Aria Henry.
A graveside service to celebrate the life of Matthew Stephen Snyder will be held on December 9, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Magnolia Cemetery located at 1040 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073.
