Earl Maurice Snyder

Earl Maurice Snyder, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on May 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born in Portland, Oregon on March 1, 1937, to Maurice Burnett Snyder and Florence Elizabeth (Harr) Snyder, Earl grew up in the Eastmoreland neighborhood, attending Duniway Grade School and Cleveland High School.

Earl was a lifelong Oregonian whose heart was rooted in family, friendship, and a love of life’s simple joys. He attended Oregon State University, Portland State University and earned his degree from the University of Oregon. He always identified most with Oregon State University—the Beavers held a special place in his heart, particularly when it came to football, basketball, and baseball. Go Beavs!

Earl began his career in banking with Equitable Savings and Loan, which later became part of Benjamin Franklin and eventually Bank of America, where he retired as a loan officer at the age of 57. Known for his strong work ethic, Earl received numerous awards during his career for service and excellence. In retirement, he embraced leisure and filled his days with reading, playing tennis, walking the neighborhood beat with his neighbor friend, Don, hiking, traveling, watching local and televised track and field events, and spending quality time with family and friends.

He was a charter member of the Eastmoreland Racquet Club and later joined the Clackamas River Racquet Club with many of his tennis buddies. An avid athlete, Earl developed a love for running and tennis in midlife, participating in many local 5K and 10K races, even earning an award or two in his age group. One of his hardest losses in later years was giving up tennis due to health issues, though he remained a passionate fan— enjoying the game by enthusiastically supporting talented athletes like The Joker, among many others. He often attended local matches, and tuned in to televised tournaments up until his final days.

Earl was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club and a proud participant in its community efforts. His daughter fondly remembers joining him for candle sales and dog shows during her childhood.

Earl had a warm and generous spirit, a laid-back demeanor, and a great sense of humor. A good joke or clever comeback could always make him laugh. He had a knack for memorable sayings, often heard saying things like “Shingles!”, “Good deal, Lucille,” “Not too shabby,” and “Take it easy.” At family gatherings, he was known for joking, “If no one likes cheese pizza, why is it always the first to go?” and whenever he turned on the news: “Let’s find out what’s going on in the world.”

He loved oldies music—especially rock, Motown, and R&B—and artists like the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Marvin Gaye, Tina Turner, The Temptations, and Diana Ross & The Supremes. He preferred sun and warm weather, and his wardrobe of choice always included some version of sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, and/or shorts.

Earl was preceded in death by his sister, Maurine (Snyder) Maskal and nephew, Steve Maskal. He is survived by his daughter, Michelle Renee (Snyder) Frichtl, his grandchildren, Krystal Maria Snyder and Jesse James Frichtl, his nieces, Karen Bucher and Stephanie Maskal, and several great-nieces and nephews. He was a loving grandfather, father, and uncle—earning countless unofficial awards in each of those roles. One of his most loyal companions was his black cocker spaniel, Toby, his “special buddy.”

Above all else, Earl will be remembered as a kind, humorous, and welcoming man—a gracious host, a generous spirit, and a steadfast friend. His love for family, laughter, and a good tennis match never waned.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, June 27th at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, followed by a reception at Lincoln Memorial Park & Funeral Home at 1:00 PM, with a committal service to follow.

Memorial donations may be made in Earl’s honor to Brighton Hospice (https://brightonhospice.com), the Alex Rovello Memorial Foundation (http://alexrovellomemorial.org), or Meals on Wheels People, Inc. (https://www.mowp.org)