Saratoga Springs, NY-Harry D. Snyder, Jr., died at Saratoga Hospital on July 27, 2022, after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.

Harry was born on June 10, 1931, to the late Harry D. Snyder, Sr., and Alice Brogan Snyder. From that day to the day of his passing, Saratoga Springs was his home.

Prior to graduating from Saratoga High School in 1949, Harry met the classmate that would become the love of his life, Helen Kathryn Lynch. Harry and Helen married on July 9, 1955, and for the next 64 years they were inseparable soul mates, raising seven children in a home where they welcomed extended family and friends until the time of Helen's death in 2019.

Harry graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1953, and in 1955 he graduated Cum Laude from Notre Dame's Law School. Harry was a member of the school's varsity cross-country and track teams for all four of his undergraduate years, serving as team captain during his senior year. In 1972, Harry was inducted into Notre Dame's Athletic Hall of Fame.

In 1955, Harry was admitted to the New York State and Federal Bars and joined the Saratoga County Bar Association. He served on the Saratoga County Bar Association Executive Committee from 1980 to 2004, and as President in 1981. He was a member of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association, serving a term as the organization's District Governor. From 1984 to 1985, he served on the Third Judicial Department's Committee on Professional Standards.

Harry was the founding partner of Snyder, Kiley, Toohey, Corbett & Cox, LLP, and in over sixty years of practice, he was a noted trial lawyer and legal counsel. He served as City Supervisor from 1962 to 1967, and from 1969 to 1979 he served as Chairman of the Saratoga Zoning Board of Appeals, and as Acting City Judge.

From 1985 to 2012, Harry was a member of the Adirondack Trust Company Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Throughout his entire adult life, Harry was an avid member of the Democratic Party. He was a delegate for the candidacy of John F. Kennedy at the 1960 Democratic National Convention, and served as Chairman of the Saratoga Democratic Committee from 1960 to 1970.

Harry was appointed to the New York State Racing Commission in 1980, holding the post of either Commissioner or Chairman until 2012. A life-long devotee of horse racing, Harry was a Director of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund from 1980 until the time of his death.

As family, friends, and local residents can attest, Harry was dedicated to education, health care initiatives, charity, and his community. He served as a member of the Empire State College Council, Chairman of Saratoga County Mental Health Board, and Director and Past President of The Hawley Foundation for Children. He was an honorary Third Degree life member of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus and Saratoga Assembly745 Fourth Degree and he was a 67 year life member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161 and earlier this year recognized as their longest tenured member.

Harry was particularly proud of his role in the conception and inception of both the Wesley Community and Four Winds Saratoga.

The only aspect of Harry's life that waned with age was his capacity as a cross-country track star. Past his eightieth birthday, he could be seen walking the beaches on Cape Cod, and at times still taking on the (very) chilly surf. Until his last days, he remained a voracious reader, and as well a golfer, card player, and race handicapper.

But the epicenter of Harry's life was his family, with his wife Helen and seven children living every day blessed with his love, guidance, devotion, and strength.

Harry is predeceased by his wife, Helen; his siblings Marion Hazard and Doris Buckmiller; and his sons Kevin and Daniel.

He is survived by his sister Virginia O'Donnell of Portsmouth, NH; his children Mary Clark (Tim) of Marcellus, NY, Dennis of Scituate, MA, Kathryn Gantz (Glen) of Richmond, UT, James (Debbie) of Saratoga, and Carol Valdez (Romeo) of San Diego, CA. Harry is also survived by twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 6PM Friday, August 5, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).  Members of the Knights of Columbus will have their service at 4:30PM and the Elks will conduct their service at 5PM. A funeral home service will follow at 6:00 PM.

Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to Medical Missions for Children, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 128-G, Beverly, MA 01915.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com