Gilbert Snyder

Dr. Gilbert Snyder, husband of Sara Freidman Snyder of Charleston, passed away at his home on May 27, 2012 at age 88. He was born September 22, 1923 in Glens Falls, NY.

Dr. Snyder began his education at Albany State Teacher's College. He left school temporarily in 1943 to join The United States Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a navigation instructor stationed at The Citadel. While stationed there, he met and fell in love with Charleston native Sara Friedman. The two married a short time later. After World War II, he resumed his studies at The University of South Carolina and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He then entered graduate school at Duke University and earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Snyder was the first licensed psychologist in South Carolina and in 1952 became the Chief Psychologist at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Charleston where he initiated and headed the Alcohol Rehabilitation Program for the Navy. He remained at the Naval Hospital until his retirement while simultaneously maintaining a private practice in clinical psychology.

In 1963, Dr. Snyder was elected Chairman of the Disabilities Board of Charleston. In 1968, he became a founding member of the first Charleston Consolidated School Board. He was a board Member for the Ronald McDonald House, Synagogue Emanuel on Gordon St., and was on the Governor's Planning Board for the Trident Forum for the Handicapped, and The Board of the Family Services Agency. He was also a member of the American Psychological Association, The Southeastern Psychological Association, and The South Carolina Psychological Association. Dr. Snyder was a consultant to the Florence Crittenton Home, The SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and the Charleston Department of Social Services.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his children Dr. Howard E. Snyder (Mary Anne) of Charleston, SC, Gary Snyder (Pam) of Charleston, SC, Denice Leebow (Kenneth) of Atlanta, GA,; grandchildren: Jenna Skaff (Richard) of Charlotte, NC, Nessa Snyder, Adam Snyder and Nicole Snyder of Charleston, SC, Alissa Katz (Jonathan) of Charleston, SC, Josh Leebow (Kristi) of Atlanta, Paige Lowery (Jeff) of Columbia, SC, Haley Lash (Jordan) of Charleston, SC, and Liz Lindler of Charleston, SC; great grandchildren: Trayton Skaff, Sims Skaff, Brooks Leebow, and Mason Lowery.

The funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice. The family of Dr. Snyder will be receiving visitors between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29 and Wednesday, May 30 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Snyder, 2302 Portside Way, Charleston, SC 29407.