John Philip Snyder passed away on July 18, 2015, at the age of 73.  He was born in 1941 in Sunbury, Pennsylvania and later moved to New Jersey where he graduated from Metuchen High School in 1959.  He received a BA from the University of Maryland, and a Master's Degree in Asian Studies from Seton Hall University.

In 1959, John joined the Air Force through which he studied Chinese language at Yale University and then worked as a translator, stationed in Japan.  As an astute businessman and skilled linguist, fluent in both Chinese and Japanese, he began a career in international sales with Westinghouse Corporation in Japan.  He later worked at Sanyo Business Systems, which allowed him additional travel throughout Asia.

After moving to Delaware in 2010, he taught Chinese Conversation at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where he was thrilled to share his interest in and lifelong passion for the language and cultures of China and Japan.

John was a multi-talented individual with diverse interests. From his youth until the recent past, he enjoyed working on construction projects, renovating homes, making furniture, and his most impressive effort, the construction of an expansive bridge across his creek in Vermont.  Moreover, he never hesitated to help others with electrical work, plumbing or carpentry.

His other interests include a deep love of music, ranging from bluegrass to classic rock to opera.  He also enjoyed collecting antiques and has an extensive collection of Asian and American art.  He took great pleasure challenging himself by trying to identify and translate marks on his Chinese and Japanese paintings, scrolls and porcelains.  However, his greatest joy in life was freshwater fishing, especially at his home in Vermont, a place he cherished for its beauty, tranquility and long-lasting friendships.

He was predeceased in death by his father, John H. and his brother Joel David.

He is survived by his mother Jean Catherine, brother Jeffrey Bruce, and his wife of 49 years, Therese, and their three sons and their families, David (and Mary Benson Snyder), Gary (and Jessica Johner Snyder), and Erich (and Lauren Saracene) and three granddaughters, Alexandra, Chloe and Morgan as well as several beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday August 15 at Flynn & Son/Koyen Funeral Home, 319 Amboy Ave, Metuchen, NJ 08840. Friends may visit from 4-5 PM followed by a memorial service.  John has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.