Obituaries
Michael A. Snyder, 52
August 30, 2018
Michael A. Snyder, 52, of Lancaster passed away Thursday, August 30, 2018 at his home with his family by his side after a year and a half courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. The disease never won the battle with Michael’s spirit. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Charles F. and Rita (Caskey) Snyder. He was the husband and partner of his loving wife Donna (Marrow) Snyder with whom he shared over 31 years of marriage. Michael and Donna were more than husband and wife, they were partners together in their magical show productions.
Michael was a 1984 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. In March 2018, Michael and Donna were honored with the Lancaster Catholic High School Alumni Citation Award for professional achievement. He attended York College.
Michael started his magical career at the age of 5 years old. His first paid performance was at the age of 12. He performed in 32 states plus several international venues and two cruise lines. Michael was a mentor to many up and coming magicians, young and old. His skills as a performer could be as simple as using a deck of cards in front of a small audience to full scale stage illusions. Michael and his wife Donna performed 24 straight years at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA. This was one of their favorite places to perform and have many wonderful memories from there. Michael was a PA State Deputy for the society of American Magicians, he was past president of the Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States and the Capital Area of Performing Magicians, and he was on the Grand Council of the Professional Magicians Club of Lancaster and held the post of secretary and treasurer. Michael’s joy in performing magic was evident to audiences in every show he did. Michael loved life and all things Disney or magic related.
In addition to his wife Donna, he is survived by his two children, Alexander M. Snyder of Pocatello, ID, Rebecca A. Snyder of Lancaster; a brother, Charles F. “Chip” Snyder, Jr. (Doreen) of Lititz; four sisters, Christina Cunha (Antonio) of Lancaster, Sue Bleacher (Wes), Kathy Guidos (Joseph), both of Conestoga, Patti Geiger (Thomas) of Boiling Springs, PA and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Michael also loved his two Yorki Poos, Walter and Hazel Grace.
Family and friends will be received from 4-8PM on Wednesday, September 5th with a Broken Wand Ceremony honoring Michael at 7:30PM at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A second viewing will be held at the church on Thursday morning from 9 AM-10 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 E, Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602 with Rev. Leo M. Goodman as Celebrant. Interment will take place in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory may be made to St. Anne School, 108 E. Liberty St, Lancaster, PA 17602, the Houdini Fund (This fund supports magicians who are ill) 1735 East 26 Street Brooklyn, NY 11229 or the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Center, 609 N. Cherry St, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
May 25, 2019
Just dropping by to say that Mike has been on my mind constantly and consistently lately. He is not forgotten and the beauty of his kindness is never forgotten. It was always a pleasure to work with Mike and Donna on the road. I was just looking through thousands of photos and videos that I took of him and Donna and the show. These memories will truly live on in my heart forever. Mike was the best.
Billy Diamond
October 05, 2018
We just heard this sad news and are heartbroken. Mike was always so full of energy and smiles. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Donna, Alex, Becky and Chip. We have lost a wonderful friend and fellow entertainer and will surely miss him.
Marty, MariPat, and the Grams Family
September 11, 2018
Donna, Alex, and Rebecca, we were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was the happiest and friendliest person we’ve ever met…his smile truly lit up the room and his magic was an awesome gift that amazed everyone! He will be greatly missed by so many people! You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mary Beth, Scott, Rachel and Brandon Ulp
September 10, 2018
Chip I am so sorry to hear about your brother met him a few times great guy I know how you’re feeling because I just Lost one of my siblings not too long ago it is tough but they are in a better place God bless
September 07, 2018
To Chip and the entire Snyder family, our condolences go out to you and your whole family in the loss of your brother. so sorry to hear of his passing.
Denny & Terri Teaman (Cindy Thatcher’s sister)
September 06, 2018
The Long Family sends our deepest condolences, Barbara “Long”Thomas
September 06, 2018
To the Snyder Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to all of you, and I will light a candle in Michael’s memory on Sunday.
Fran Lombardo Spangler
September 06, 2018
To the entire Snyder family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss of your brother, husband, father, uncle, son .. etc. May God wrap you in his all loving arms and comfort you in your time of sorrow and rememberence. Love to all!
Jack and Mary Warrenfeltz (Zimmermans Foundry)
September 05, 2018
Such a bright light that Mike brought to our high school class.I am deeply saddened by the loss that the Snyder family has encountered. My condolences to Donna, and the many, many family and friends. Prayers to you all. Love from Andrea Sangrey
September 05, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Snyder Family. Mike was a blessing to work with. His smile, kindness and magic will be missed.
Staff at Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
September 05, 2018
To the entire Snyder Family,
Our thoughts, prayers, and love are with. you all for the passing of your dear Michael. We remember when he did his magic tricks for children birthdays and at Knoebels Park. He truly will be missed.
Love, Carl & Mary(cousin) McClune
September 05, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to Donna and family on the loss of Mike. We were privileged to see Mike and Donna perform for several years at our annual Knoebels visit. We spoke with them after shows and shared stories and our love for Disney. He was a true entertainer and will be deeply missed. Our prayers are extended to Donna and family. Sincerely, Bob, Lee Ann & Alyssa Lopez and Nancy Keister
September 05, 2018
Dear Donna, Becky, and Alex,
We are so sorry for your loss…and for the loss to our faith and school communities as Mike gave so much of himself for others. Mike and Donna, you were always so generous with your time and talents so that our family and many others could delight in the goodness and the magic you brought to our gatherings.
You are all in our prayers that our precious Lord Jesus will give you His peace and that the Holy Spirit will fill your minds and hearts with all the beautiful, kind, and dazzling memories of your beloved husband and father, Mike.
Deepest condolences,
Doug, Barbara, Sarah, and Daniel Goss
September 05, 2018
My heart is with you as you celebrate the life of this amazing man. I was blessed to be another kid kicking around with the Snyder clan and I have so many fond memories of Michael. I’ll never forget the year he taught Liz and I how to saw someone in half for a talent show in elementary school. He was the life of the party. All my love to your family as you adjust to this new life. RIP Michael.
September 05, 2018
I am so sorry for all of you who are left behind. Having been through the battle with Harold I know that it takes a strong person to weather the storm. May God be with you every step of the way & hopefully you will feel his peace. God Bless, Joni Godshall
September 05, 2018
Snyder Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My dad, Kyle, and I first saw Mike and Donna several years ago perform at Knoebels. We started coming to the park just to see them perform. We loved staying afterwards and talking. Mike was not only an incredible magician and showman but such a down to earth man to talk to. He will be greatly missed but always remembered. Your family is in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Alexis Smith
September 04, 2018
Chip and the entire Snyder Family my sincere condolences in the loss of your brother. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Carhy (McCloskey) Gaenzle
September 04, 2018
Our condolences to the Snyder family. So sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for you all. – The White Family
September 04, 2018
Condolences for you loss. He was a magical guy, always ready to give insight.
September 04, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Mike’s diagnosis. I missed him at Knoebels. I always tried to catch at least one show every day that I was there. ( I have always been intrigued by magic and illusion.) I even got to talk with them just walking around the park.
So sorry to hear this news. He will definitely be missed.
Nancy Minnier
September 04, 2018
Dear Snyder Fami!y: I am so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May Michael RIP. With sincere sympathy, Carolyn Shoemaker Brown
September 04, 2018
So sorry for your lost. He was a great magician. Donna Mordan
September 04, 2018
To the Snyder family and friends…
I am still in disbelief of Michael’s passing.. He had such natural talent. Such a loving family and wife that joined him in his career and passion.
I can remember meeting Michael on Queen Street at Ziggy’s and watching him do tricks when I was young.
I believe that my birthday party at my parents house was his first magic show when he was 12 as mentioned in his obituary. I am still looking for those photos. I will find them someday soon and share them.
Recently on a visit to Chad and Lee’s to see Chloe.. Chip was there and I called Michael to remind him that I got us tickets to go see Magician Jon Dorenbos who is also former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper at the American Music Theater on September 22nd. We had a great conversation and he was excited to go. I hope that Chip and Donna will go with my sons and I to see the show. I had arrangements with Jim Martin at AMT for Michael to meet Jon Dorenbos..although I am sure they already know each other.
Kenny Myers
September 04, 2018
Now you see me…
Fierce fight Michael, Ferocious, Raging. Well done!
Black out.
***********
Donna, Alex and Becky so strong. What great support! Now lean on the community that loves you. Our prayers for comfort go out for you.
Fred & Heather Walker
September 04, 2018
To Donna, Rebecca and Alex, We send our sincere condolences on the loss of Michael (your Dad). We will always cherish all the moments that our family has shared with your family, like our Knoebles visit and the private magic shows we received. The Snyder family is our Pennsylvania Family. We love you all so much and are thinking about you always, especially at this sad time. Love, Betsy, Jeremy, Ashley and Kylie!
September 04, 2018
Michael was charming and fun since early childhood. I am blessed to have known him. His sister, Sue, is my lifelong, dear friend. My heart breaks for the entire family but knowing them, they will laugh again. It’s the Snyder way. Their parents were amazing and provided a strong model of how to perservere. Still, it will never be the same without Michael. He will be missed but never forgotten.
God bless and comfort to the entire family, especially, Donna.
Love and Prayers,
Loretta & Marty
September 03, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Snyder Family. – The McCuen Family
September 03, 2018
So sorry for yoir loss. Remembering his magical performance at Bent Creek, brought in by his borther Chip a member, enjoyed his magic and enthusiasm for life.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Marcille and Kermit Crossland
September 03, 2018
We want to extend our deepest condolences. Al saw Michael perform in Lancaster many years ago. I knew he would go far. Our entire family were very fond of all the Snyder family. Our deepest sympathies.
Al & Marie (Giandalia) Herner
September 03, 2018
Donna… words cannot express how sorry I am to hear the passing of Mike. Mike was always a super wonderful guy and I am so saddened by this awful news! I send love to you and your family and I am so sorry for your loss… our loss… everyone’s loss. Larry Fecho
September 03, 2018
Our condolences to the entire Snyder family for the loss of a wonderful man. As a former high school friend I will miss Mike and his gift of entertaining he shared with many family and friends. This legacy of bringing people together is something he and Donna should be very proud. Prayers from the Kopan family.
September 03, 2018
So sorry for your loss.
Kathy Patterson
September 02, 2018
The Withum family sends our deepest sympathy.
September 02, 2018
To Chip and Michael’s family-
Sincere condolences on the loss of your brother. The passing of a sibling leaves a void like no other.
To Michael’s wife and children, heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Susan Berke Minnich
September 02, 2018
Donna, Alex and Rebecca, Scott and I send our love and sincere condolensences to you all. Mike was a very special person and will be tremodously missed by many. Sending prayers your way.
Scott & Donna Correll
September 02, 2018
Donna, Alex and Rebecca Snyder. My sincere condolensences to each of you and to his brother Chip and his sisters. He was a very special person,battling with his cancer, BUT HAD THE BEST ATTITUDE EVER SEEN of a patient as he, who only looked on the bright side of Life.Mike loved Life and he showed it. Many others should follow this young man who fought a hard battle, but he won the fight, now pain free and with parents in Heven. Rest In Peace Mike Snyder.
September 02, 2018
My most sincere condolences to Donna and the rest of the Snyder family. Mike was a true warrior during his hard fought battle. An amazing man that we could all learn from. May you all find comfort in the fact that Mike loved life up to the very end.
Judy (Kuhn) Bookman
September 02, 2018
My thoughts & hugs are with Donna, Alex, & Becky.. as well as well as other family. Mike was a tremendous human being.
September 02, 2018
My sincere condolences to you Donna..and your family.. I knew you both from LCHS. Praying you can find peace in knowing how very many people will miss Mike… And how very many people care about you!
Kimberly Culley Marsh
September 02, 2018
Sending all my love to one of my favorite families in the world.
Julie Going Becker
September 02, 2018
So sorry to read of your brother’s passing. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Even though I spent many hours playing at the Snyder home on King St with Chris I can’t say that I remember Mike. I know my dad enjoyed his magic talents. I sure he left you all with many fond memories and will be greatly missed.
Gerry Lichty Potts
September 02, 2018
Michael was a joyous man who lived his passion. Sending sympathy and respect for #Snyderstrong. Jane Shipe
September 02, 2018
I met Mike and Donna many years ago at Knoebel’s and instantly became a fan. He was very funny and kind. I spend lots of time at Knoebel’s and have missed him so much. I was so trilled to see he was to be back this summer and was heart broken when he was’t. Donna I am so blessed to have known you and Mike. You are both wonderful people. Paula J. Naylor
September 02, 2018
Sorry for you loss, Mike was a magic and Disney friend. He will be missed by all. Tom and JoAnn McDonnell
September 02, 2018
You were such a kind soul. I always looked forward to seeing you and hanging after the show. You will be missed!
September 02, 2018
My sincere condolences to Donna and the Snyder family! R.I.P Mike, you will be so missed by everyone!! Love, TC Galbally
September 01, 2018
Michael and I have been friends for over 30 years. He was a brother in magic and in life. He will be missed very much.
Love you brother.
Mike Miller
September 01, 2018
Our hearts/thoughts and prayers are with Donna and the Snyder Family! I know our children LOVED Mike and Donna in their brilliant and talented Magic Act… Blessings to all of the Snyder Family! Lovingly the Forte Family!
September 01, 2018
Rest In Peace Mike. You were always an inspiration to me. It was an honor to be your friend.
Tom Crowl
September 01, 2018
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Donna and the family. Mike was a great person and an awesome magician. His presence will be missed by us all but never be forgotten. God Bless. Michael Bonacci
September 01, 2018
My sincere condolences to Donna and the family! Mike was a genuinely happy and kind person to everyone! I hope that it will comfort you to know that he lives on through your love and wonderful memories of him.
Sincerely,
Tracey(Hardnele)Dellinger
September 01, 2018
MY PRAYERS GO WITH DONNA AND THE FAMILY. JESUS BE WITH YOU ALL AT THIS SPECIAL TIME.
September 01, 2018
Rest In Peace Mike. It was a pleasure knowing you and your family. May God bless and comfort your wonderful family at this painful time. Patricia Love
September 01, 2018
REST IN PEACE AND GOD BLESS Tom Shay T.J.the CLOWN,
September 01, 2018
The McCracken Family sends our love and condolences.
September 01, 2018
My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Donna and the family. Mike was a great person and an awesome magician. His presence will be missed by us all but never be forgotten. God Bless.
September 01, 2018
Donna, Chip and family so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy and will be missed.
September 01, 2018
We worked at Knoebel’s Amusement Resort with Mike and Donna for most of their 24 years there. They were always a highlight of the many magic shows that appeared there. Mike’s love of his work and of his wife were always evident on and off stage. We missed them a lot the past two seasons. Donna and family are in our prayers.
PAT, TESS and MABELLE DAVISON
- Visitation
- Wednesday, September 05, 2018
- 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Thursday, September 06, 2018
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
- St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
- 501 E, Orange St
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, September 06, 2018
- 10:00 AM
- St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
- 501 E, Orange St
- Lancaster, PA
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions >
