Kearney A. Snyder

Kearney A. Snyder, 93, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Brethren Village Retirement Community. He was the loving husband of Susie Taylor Snyder.

A lifelong Lancaster County resident, Kearney devoted his life to his family, his profession, and service to his community.

Born July 17, 1933, in Lancaster, he was the son of the late C. Abram Snyder and Ruth Yoder Snyder.

Kearney was a 1951 graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School and went on to attend Eckels College of Mortuary Science. He received his funeral director’s license in 1955, beginning a career that would span decades and leave a lasting impact on countless families throughout the Lancaster community.

In 1968, Kearney and Susie began operating the Kearney A. Snyder Funeral Home. He continued serving families there until his retirement in 1987, when the funeral home was sold to his daughter and son-in-law, Diane Snyder DeBord and Mark C. DeBord. Kearney took great pride in his profession and in the legacy of compassionate service that continued through his family. Even long after his retirement, the relationships he formed and the care he provided to families remained a meaningful part of his life.

Kearney was a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Board of Trustees, as Past Treasurer, and as a member of the Ushers Association.

His commitment to the Lancaster community extended far beyond his profession. He was a past member and Vice President of the Lancaster Jaycees and was active in numerous civic, fraternal, professional, and community organizations throughout his life. He was a member of Audubon Lodge F. & A.M., Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Harrisburg Consistory, Zembo Temple, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, and the Lancaster County Shrine Club.

Kearney also served as a board member of the American Red Cross and was a member and Past President of the Lancaster Federal Savings and Loan Association. He was a past member of the Redevelopment Commission of Lancaster and a member, Past President, and Past Secretary of the Lancaster Kiwanis Club, where he achieved an extraordinary 43 years of perfect attendance.

Professionally, Kearney was a member and Past President of the Lancaster County Funeral Directors Association and was also a member of the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.

Among his many interests, Kearney was an accomplished private pilot and a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He served as Past President of the Lancaster Aero Club and greatly enjoyed aviation throughout his life. He was also a boating enthusiast and past member of the Lancaster Power Squadron, making several trips to Florida by boat. In his spare time, Kearney enjoyed playing golf and attending his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sporting events.

In addition to his wife, Susie, Kearney is survived by his four daughters, Virginia S. Kuklewski (wife of Kevin) of Camden, NC; Diane Snyder DeBord (wife of Mark) of Lancaster, PA Jill A. Snyder (wife of the late Aaron S. Shiley) of Lititz; and Sandra J. Scheffey (wife of the late Scott R. Scheffey), of Lititz. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth S. Iredale, and his sons-in-law, Aaron S. Shiley and Scott R. Scheffey.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at DeBord Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 141 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602. A funeral will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Brethren Village Retirement Community, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A second viewing will precede the funeral on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. also at Brethren Village in the Wolfe Auditorium 6 Conestoga Drive, Lititz, PA 17543. Interment will be held at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kearney’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box: P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125, Brethren Village Employee Appreciation Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 (checks made payable to Brethren Village, reference Employee Appreciation Fund in the memo), or First United Methodist Church, 29 E Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17602.

The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Brook Place South for the constant care and love they provided for Kearney. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com