Peter 'Pete' W Snyder
Dec. 9, 1934-Oct. 13, 2024
Dublin, California

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our father, Peter (Pete) W. Snyder, on October 13, 2024. The family will honor Pete’s extraordinary life with a Celebration of Life on January 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Shannon Community Center, Dublin, California.

Pete was born on December 9, 1934, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Claire and Ann Snyder. He was the youngest of three boys, joining older brothers Harlan and Craig. In the 1950s, Pete proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed overseas in Japan for 2½ years.

On September 8, 1956, Pete married his life partner, Priscilla Edna Rich, and together they raised five children: Gary, Sheri, David, Jon, and Brian. Later in life, their family grew to include 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Pete and Priscilla cherished their travels, forging lasting friendships around the world. They lived for a time in Nerja, Spain, and welcomed many family and friends to visit. No matter where they were, family was always at the heart of their lives, and their passion for community service was ever-present.

Pete worked more than 40 years in the automotive parts industry in Oakland and San Leandro supporting the growing area’s commerce and service industries. He was also an active member of the San Ramon Valley (Danville) Congregational Church for many years.

Pete’s life was defined by service. In the early 1960s, he was a founding member of the San Ramon Valley “Host” Lions Club, which later became the Dublin Lions Club. Pete was elected District Governor of Lions District 4-C3, serving from 1978 to 1979, and remained an active and lifelong member of the Lions.

Pete also served on the Murray (Dublin) School District Board of Trustees for five years, including a term as Board Chair. However, his most enduring legacy is his leadership in the incorporation of Dublin as a city. In 1980, he spearheaded the efforts to incorporate Dublin, and in 1982, he became the city's first mayor. Pete served a total of 13 years on the city council, 11 of those as mayor. During his time in office, he played a pivotal role in shaping the community, including the development of the Dublin Civic Center and bringing BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) service to the area.

Following his time on the city council, Pete was elected to the BART Board in 1996, serving until 2004, including a term as Board President in 2002. He was also involved in a variety of other organizations, including the American Public Transit Association, the Tri-Valley Community Fund, the Dublin Fine Arts Foundation, the Congestion Management Agency, and the Association of Bay Area Governments.

Pete was an active member of the Martin C. Kauffman, 100 Club of Alameda County, serving on the board for many years and as President from 2004-2005.

Pete was widely admired for his integrity and character. A longtime friend of his, quoted in a local newspaper article, said, “When I think of Pete, I think of someone so honest and with such integrity. I can trust him implicitly, and I think everyone in the city can. He’s just a straight arrow.”

Pete lived an exceptional life, setting an inspiring example for all of us. We miss him dearly and will carry his memory in our hearts forever.

In-lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Martin C. Kauffman, 100 Club of Alameda. Checks can be mailed to 4900 Hopyard, Suite 100, Pleasanton, CA 94588 or https://www.100clubalamedacounty.org/page-18110 . Or Hospice of the Foothills, checks can be made to Foothills Compassionate Care, 11270 Rough and Ready Hwy, Grass Valley, CA 95945 or http://foothills-cares.org/donate/

Tags: veteran, public service