Remembering Thomas Robert Snyder 1974 – 2024
Contributed by the Family
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Thomas Robert Snyder of Santa Cruz, CA, who died on Christmas Day, 2024, with his mother by his side.
Tom was born in Upland, PA, on March 22, 1974, and raised by his parents in Aston, PA. Tom was employed by Seitz Technical Products in Avondale, PA, prior to moving to CA, where he co-owned a shop on Capitola Wharf with his ex-wife. After moving to Santa Cruz he created Santa Cruz Tie Dyes and Snyder Music Management.
Tom will always be remembered as a superb guitarist who loved Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead. His happiest times were jamming with his friends Matt, Jonny Mojo, Bobby, Joe, and others, and enjoying the music and camaraderie of his California “family” at Michael’s on Main,
Grateful Sundays with Matt Hartle and Friends, and other music venues, where he was always accompanied by his beloved dogs Bugsy and later with his new puppy Bart.
Tom enjoyed the thrill of zipping around Santa Cruz environs on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, often with his friend Deborah along for the ride on the bike with him.
Tom was predeceased by his brother David in 1999 and his father Robert in 2011. He is survived by many loving family and friends, including his mother and step-father Jennie and Gregory Schwing; his aunt (and “second mother”) and uncle Barbara and Gregory Ozor; his aunt Patty and Kevin Loynds; cousins Jacquelyn Vizza, Matthew Ozor, Emily Rockwell, and Rebekah Loynds; and his long time friend and “music partner” in PA Joe Perloff; and his dog Bartholamew, “Bart” for short.
The family wishes to thank Tom’s friends Deborah Fetzer, Bobby Yliz, Patti Prichard, and Matt Hartle for their support and love. A memorial service for Tom will be held at Felton Music Hall on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
To quote Jerry Garica, Tom’s life was a “long strange trip” that took him from PA to CA, and blessed him with loving family, friends, and dogs. His bright light may be gone from the world but will always shine in the hearts of the many who will love him always.
Submitted by the Family
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