Larry Leon Snyder , 82, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 29, 2023.
Larry was born on January 3, 1941, in Evansville, Indiana to Leon and Maxine Snyder. He grew up in Evansville and graduated from North High School in 1959. Larry always enjoyed sports and played football and basketball during his time at North.
Larry moved with his family to Florida in 1965. He worked as a plumber for Matthews Plumbing before joining the Gainesville Police Department as a patrolman on June 13, 1966. He was promoted to sergeant in 1970 and served the citizens of Gainesville in many different capacities over the years. After his retirement from GPD in 1992, Larry worked as a driver for Exit Information Guide for a few years and then transitioned to working security at the Ayers Medical Plaza.
Larry’s greatest passion was riding his motorcycle. He was a founding member of the first chapter of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club in Florida. Larry was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Moose Lodge. Larry had a tremendous love for his family and greatly enjoyed spending time with his loved ones. He will be dearly missed by all.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Maxine, as well as his brother, Barry. He is survived by his son, Skip Snyder, Gainesville; his daughter Kelly (Ben) Ivey, Chiefland; daughter Farrah (Hobie) Tindall, Gainesville; sister Linda Caward, Inverness; sister-in-law Jo Snyder, Inverness; granddaughter Sarah (Kyle) Brown, Chiefland; grandson Daniel (Haley) Ivey, Chiefland.
The family will receive friends beginning at 1pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida. The memorial service will follow the visitation and begins at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club, Florida Chapter I, PO Box 2338, Alachua, Florida 32615.
Kelly , Skip and Farrah , So very sorry for the loss of your father. He was a good man. I hope all the wonderful memories you have with him will help thru this difficult time . My love and prayers to you all ❤️🙏🏼
I love you, Uncle Larry. I have known you since my birth and I will remember you until my death. I am grateful for your eternal peace and comfort, but you will be sorely missed by many. Thank you for your love.
Farrah, I usually do not remember the first time I meet someone. But I remember the exact spot I first met your dad, he made a huge impression. It was at the Ayers lobby. He was the kindest person to me, a complete stranger. I knew I would be safe working in that building when he was on duty. What a blessing he was to so many. Love you
You didn’t grow up in the late sixties and not know who Larry snyder was the man with a voice so deep that it would almost rattle the windows hands like a grizzly
Growing up in the NE section of town he was a friend to a lot of us and later in life a man you could talk to but don’t think he would sugar coat it if he didn’t agree
I’m a better man today having grown up around you and you will be missed my friend
My prayers go out to you skip. Kelly. Farrah
What a LOSS for everyone that knew this remarkable man! Larry was a man I will never forget, my prayers to his family!
Rick Lyons
Such a sweet guy. Rode motorcycled with many times. Prayers to you all . Spoke many times going to Ayers for appts. and work.
So many fond memories of working and training with the Sarge during mutual agency functions. Larry was such a kind person in every encounter! I am honored to have been his friend at so many Police Lodge and Blue Knights events. You just don’t meet any nicer guy than Larry. Prayers of comfort for the Snyder family!
Larry was a great neighbor and friend.
The first time I met Larry was during Gatornationals, arounf 1984, and he came by the Security Office to look for Greg Greco. He sounded like what I thought was God on the radio!! A knock on the office door and all I saw was black knee boots attached to a giant of a man. Not only was he a big man, but I learned to love that big bear with a giant heart! I will always have special fond memories of Larry Snyder. My condolences to his family and friends.
Our condolence for Larry’s family and close friends.
Larry was without a doubt one of the finest men I’ve met and got to know, on this road of Life. Our paths crossed many, many times over the course of 45 plus years and each time was wonderful. He was a gentle giant who had a big heart, warm smile, great laugh, a voice that John Wayne wished he had, and above all, treated everyone with Love & respect. . He served our community with a high level of intergrity and always willing to help others on or off the job. Larry worked with us at Exit Information Guide and was a tremendous representative for our company.
Having Larry as a friend, is a Blessing,….and he will never be forgotten.
My friend, ….until we meet again…. Rest In Peace,
Jeff & Faye
I had the distinct pleasure and honor of knowing and working calls/events with Larry during the beginning of my law enforcement career at ASO. Larry was a great leader and he left a positive impact on so many! Throughout those many years, Larry always made me feel like family and he was a genuine friend.
To know Larry was to respect and love him. My heart goes out to the family of this special man! He will be missed.
Farah, so sorry for your loss. Your daddy was a very special man. Sending prayers and condolences. Love you. ❤️
Larry was a,great person. A real cop. He was one of my Sgts on midnight shift. He had a commanding presence. The sound of his voice alone would make the average criminal quiver and submit. Only guy I’ve ever known who could roll up on a burglary in progress and tell the bad guys to put the stolen stuff down and get in the back seat of his car without even getting out of the driver seat. Larry was always good to me and to everyone he worked with. He was always smiling and never complained. Won’t forget you Brother.