Gilbert Snyder

Gilbert L. Snyder (March 9, 1939-May 15, 2026), a born and raised, New York devotee, passed away peacefully in his sleep. Adopted at nine months old, by Juliet Gilbert Snyder and Arthur Bach, the only child lost his father in his early adolescence. His mother remarried Sydney S. Snyder, who also had the misfortune of dying young, leaving Gilbert at just twenty-one years of age. These losses enticed my father to cultivate strong relationships with his friends and extended family whom he cherished dearly.

Gilbert (Gilly’s) community of friends were born from his schooling at The Franklin School, New York University, and social clubs. Most beloved, City Athletic Club, where he went every weekday to swim, play racketball and enjoy a cocktail before joining his family for dinner. My father had a complicated personality, he could be difficult and endearing simultaneously, and the people who understood him held him in the highest regard and with a special place in their hearts.

Gilbert worked and played hard, and lived passionately. Taking in the culture of New York City he indulged in theater, classical music, fine dining, novels and golfing on the weekends. He had exquisite taste for fashion and was the interior decorator of our family utilizing the many design and art resources in Manhattan. Forever a child at heart, he refused to move into a continuing care community because he, “didn’t want to look at old people,” so instead, my parents lived in an apartment building with predominantly twenty through fifty year old residents, and he charmed them in the elevators and the gym. He impacted not only his friends but also people he met in the service industries. I often receive compliments about my father because he was kind and generous and treated strangers with a cordialness which is fleeting these days.

Gilbert adored his wife, Linda Adlman Snyder, and it was love at first sight on the street corner in midtown Manhattan. Their union strengthened through the years as they shared the joys and hardships of life together. Since Covid, Linda battles Alzheimer’s disease, and Gilbert has cared for her with unwavering commitment, only wanting to be together, even as my mother’s verbal and cognitive skills diminish. His daughters, Stephanie Lynn Snyder (May 8, 1972-September 3. 2010), and Jennifer Lee Snyder, “Gilly’s Girls,” fostered close relationships as they matured. My father was humbled with the tragic loss of Stephanie and he carried his pain with dignity and humility. His strength carried the entire family through our grief. Granddaughter, Jada Snyder-Reese, a true beacon of light in his life has brought much needed joy in his later years.

Gilbert’s uncles were the infamous corporate gadflies, John and Lewis Gilbert, but my father carved his own course. Fortunate to enlist in the Army Reserves, he was stationed in New York City and Fort Leonard, outside Rolla, Missouri, where he moved around army equipment. Upon his discharge, Gilbert pursued a successful career in commercial real estate. Brokering numerous deals spanning the streets of Manhattan and the tri-state area, my father and I spent a significant amount of time in his car driving through Westchester and New Jersey scouting out shopping centers and commercial buildings for sale. He could recall the name and owner of every apartment building in NYC, and probably even their phone numbers. He loved being a real estate broker and received much joy from his work. He always reiterated the importance of finding something that was meaningful and mentally stimulating and that this is a recipe to sustaining a happy life.

In my grief, I have laughed and cried over touching stories about my father while reminiscing with dear friends. Please join us in further commemoration of Gilbert L. Snyder’s life at Frank E. Campbell-The Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, May 27th at 11:00am. The family will be sitting shiva in their home on Thursday, May 28th from Noon-3pm and 6:00-8:00pm.