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Known as a gentleman, mentor and savvy businessman, friends and business leaders said Donald E. Snyder was always "looking out for the best of everyone."
Snyder, 90, Vero Beach, Fla., and of Altoona, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 2.
He had a profound impact on many people in the area and had an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Lee Hite, chairman of The Hite Company, a business partner and personal friend, recalled Snyder's involvement in the community, noting he was a true advocate for family values and local businesses.
"Don really loved his community; he was very much about family and ran Lumax as a family unit as well," Hite said.
Ron Eberhart, also of the Hite Company, echoed those sentiments, highlighting Snyder's mentorship, gentlemanly demeanor and dedication to others' success.
Lumax was a company they purchased from often, and Snyder was also on their advisory board, Eberhart said.
"He was a mentor to me," Eberhart said, adding Snyder always tried to help him and would give him advice.
"Don was really looking out for the best of everyone," he said.
Snyder served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953-55.
He joined the business world when he began working for Stanley Electric in 1957.
Snyder became the plant manager in 1965, and then the general manager in 1969.
When Stanley Electric ceased operations in 1976, he founded Lumax Industries Inc., a manufacturing company.
Snyder's passion was evident in his routine presence at the office, even on the day of his death.
Dan Taddei, owner of The Allegro, said Snyder was a good friend. The two had known each other for 45 years, ever since The Allegro opened in 1978 and Snyder became a regular customer, Taddei said.
"We always had great conversations about business, sports and many other things," he said.
Taddei said Snyder's passing is still hard to believe as they just talked three days before.
"Don was a really special friend, he was a true friend, and I will miss him," he said.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Snyder's commitment to his community was unwavering.
He served as the president of the Industrial Relations Association, Blair County Chapter, and held roles in the United Way of Blair County.
Snyder's influence extended to the Altoona-Blair County Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a director and was named Man of the Year.
He played a pivotal role in the founding of the Central Pennsylvania Medical Foundation Inc. and later the Altoona Hospital Board of Trustees.
Snyder's accolades included the Small Business Person of the Year for the Southern Alleghenies and induction into the Blair County Business Hall of Fame in 2001.
In addition to these roles, he dedicated himself to Penn State Altoona, Mid-State Bank and Mount Aloysius College.
Snyder's philanthropic endeavors reached far and wide, with his generosity extending to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Father Flanagan's Boys Town.
He loved to golf and held memberships at Scotch Valley and Vero Beach country clubs.
He also had Penn State football season tickets for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, in 2019. He is survived by a son, Erik M. Snyder of Altoona, and daughter, Janel D. Long (Richard Dance) of Dysart; three grandchildren; and a brother.
Snyder was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass was celebrated Tuesday.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.