Abram M. Snyder

COGAN STATION - Abram M. Snyder, 99, went home to his Lord and Savior, Monday, March 8, 2010. Abram was born December 15, 1910 in Hepburnville, the son of Edward J. and Kathryn S. (Miller) Snyder. Abram's education began at First Pleasant Hill School and continued at Williamsport Commercial College, The American Institute of Banking and the University of Pennsylvania College Extension School where, in the spring on 1929, he graduated with honors. After graduation, he began work as a messenger, then as the head bookkeeper at the Old Lycoming Trust Company. On May 25, 1940, Abram married the former Dorothy Gehron at what is now the New Covenant United Church of Christ. Abram and Dorothy were married sixty-seven years. Dorothy passed away February 14, 2007. Following their marriage, Abram worked at Blossburg Bank as an assistant cashier and was elected a board member. In 1947 he took a position with the former Jacob Gehron Company, Inc. and in 1972 he helped begin and operate G.C. Corp., becoming president in 1978 and retiring in 1997. During his retirement Abram enjoyed spending time with family and friends on his Hepburnville family farm which was established in 1878. While living in Blossburg, Abram was a 32nd Degree Mason and joined Lodge 350/ F.& A.M. He was also a member of the Williamsport Consistory, Baldwin Commandry 22, Lycoming Royal Arch Chapter, Irem Temple Shrine, the former Williamsport Shrine Club, and Elks Lodge 175, holding the title of exalted ruler. He was a member of the Williamsport Kiwanis Club, serving as vice president, then president and served on many committees, earning honors from state and national K Clubs. Abram was a member of New Covenant United Church of Christ where he was a Sunday school teacher, church treasurer, president of the Brotherhood, deacon, elder and later president of the church council. He also served on many church committees. Abram was a former treasurer and board member of the Williamsport Sightless Home and starting in 1958 he served as treasurer, vice president and board member of the Harry Plankenhorn Foundation, Inc. Until his death he was the longest surviving board member. Abram served as a board member and former president of Susquehanna Builders and Lycoming County Brotherhood USA. He served as both treasurer and director of Williamsport Hospital Cleft Palate Clinic and the Lycoming County Historical Society and was a life member of both the Lycoming County Historical Museum and the Bloomingrove Church Museum. Abram was also a board member of the American Red Cross, The American Rescue Mission, Muscular Dystrophy, Lycoming County 4-H Club and Boy Scouts of America. In the early 1930's he joined the YMCA as a member, later becoming a member of the board of directors, a trustee and a member of the Heritage Club. He was a charter member of the Lycova Grange 2006 and a member of the Ross Club and the Wheel Inn. For his outstanding service to the community Abram was honored with many awards: Shriner of the Year, Grit Meritorious Community Service Award, American Rescue Worker's National Humanitarian Award, Williamsport Community Foundation Award and Kiwanian of the Year. He received many other awards over his lifetime. Abram saw God in everything he did, whether he was enjoying nature, spending time with family and friends or serving his community. He based his life on kindness and service to others. Surviving are three children, Lucinda, "Cindy" (Richard) Wagner of Morgantown, WV, Carl E. (Patricia) Snyder of Foley, AL and Elizabeth K. Snyder at home, five grandchildren, Kristine E. (John) D'Orazio of Glen Ellyn, IL, R. Scott (Pachat) Wagner of Morgantown, WV, Jeremy C. Snyder of Morgantown, WV, Katie Beth Snyder of Streetboro, OH and Sara Pearson of Foley, AL and four great grandchildren. Abram was preceded in death by his three year old grandson, Adam, one sister, Sarah Snyder and two brothers, Carl W. and Daniel . The funeral service will be held 12 p.m. (noon) Monday, March 15, 2010 at the New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 East Third St., Williamsport, PA 17701. Officiating clergy are the Reverend William J. Younger and the Reverend Clara Benson. Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery. There will be a public viewing 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the Snyder farm, 3791 Lycoming Creek Road, Cogan Station, PA. The family will provide the flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abram M. and Dorothy M. Snyder Foundation, 3791 Lycoming Creek Road, Cogan Station, PA 17728 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.