In Memoriam

Harry E. Snyder
1947-2025

MIDDLEFIELD—Harry E. Snyder, 77, of Middlefield passed away on September 7, 2025. He was born September 10, 1947 to Lewis J. and Caroline S. (Gay) Snyder.

Harry first attended school at the Middlefield Schoolhouse and then Cherry Valley Central School, where he graduated in 1965. In his teen years he started his own hobby farm, which was his true passion. After graduating high school, he worked for The Clark Foundation for a brief time before becoming employed at the Middlefield Highway Department. He dedicated 38 years of service to the town in which he was highway superintendent for 31 of those years.

After his retirement, Harry spent winters in Florida, where he could be found thrift shopping to find the best deal. As much as he enjoyed his time there, he was always ready to come back home to work on his farm. He was a hard worker and worked until he was no longer able to. Two things he instilled in his daughters was to work hard and save your money.

Harry was a member of the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department and the Highway Superintendent’s Association, which he was president of for a number of years. He enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing—in which he was known to swing the women right off their feet—and playing pitch. He knew all the strategies to that game and was hard to beat. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandson, going to farm auctions with him and taking him on four-wheeler rides until his grandson was old enough to take over the wheel and drive him around.

He is survived by his daughters, Michelle (Mike) Stocking and Kim Snyder; grandson Nathan Snyder; nephew Michael (Lynn) Oeser; nieces Lorel (Dean) Rathbun, Debra Staats, Donna Beckingham and her fiancé, David Hotaling; along with cousins and great-nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Snyder, sister Ruth Oeser, brother-in-law Emory Oeser and nephew Robert Snyder Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, September 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ottman Funeral Home, 22 Church Street, Cherry Valley, NY 13320. A memorial service celebrating Harry’s life will be held at the Ottman Funeral Home on Saturday, September 13 at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Ronald Fralick officiating.

To send online condolences, please visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the care of the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, New York.