LATHAM — A man who helped generations of Siena College students serve urban youth, James E. Snyder died on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. He was 78.
The son of the late John and Katherine (née Walsh) Snyder was born on Dec. 25, 1935 in Elmhurst, N.Y. 

Mr. Snyder was a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and was associated with Siena College for 50 years.  During that time, he helped to implement the Big Brothers and Sisters program that later blossomed into the Siena Mentoring Program, which has served thousands of children from the Albany area who were matched to Siena student volunteers.

“The devotion of generations of Siena students to serving urban youth was a powerful force in Jim’s life,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He cherished the generosity of spirit of the Siena Community.”

Mr. Snyder described his wife of forty years, Teresa Thayer Snyder, as his best friend.

“Jim was a kind and gentle soul who loved being with his family, friends, and neighbors,” his family wrote, “and, of course, he had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs.”

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Thayer Snyder; his beloved children, Jonathan, Amy Hegener and her husband, Stephen, Christine, and Zachary; his granddaughter, Olivia Snyder, and “the countless sons and daughters and brothers and sisters he picked up along the way through his gentle, compassionate nature,” his family wrote.  

He is also survived by his brother, the Most Reverend John J. Snyder, retired bishop of St. Augustine, Fla.

His brother Eugene P. Snyder died in World War II. 

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 6, at 10 a.m. from Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home at 208 North Allen Street, Albany. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College at 10:30 a.m.

Calling hours for relatives and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Siena College Mentoring Program Scholarship Fund, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.