Thomas Snyder, 78, of Medusa, was peacefully escorted home by his loving family on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. He was born on May 30, 1947, and raised in Preston Hollow, the son of Donald Snyder and Esther Sanford Snyder.

Thomas was the beloved husband of Ruth Kellam Snyder, and a devoted father to Lisa, Paul, and Tommy (Michelle). He was a proud grandfather to Bronson, Morgan (Cam), and Derrick, and a cherished great-grandfather to Miles. Tom is survived by his sister, Carol Chase (Mark), as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Donald Snyder Jr.; and his father- and mother-in-law, Eugene and Dorothy Kellam.

Tom's love of farming started at age 8 with his own cow.  He sold butter to the neighbors.  Tom got his own farm before graduating from high school and milked cows, raised veal calves, and sold hay until 2023.  He loved John Deere tractors and loved family, friends, and life in general.  Tom loved traveling - Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and Maine were two favorite places to go.  He also loved cruising, taking more than 20 cruises.

Tom did a lot of volunteer work for the seniors in town, taking people shopping and to medical appointments.  He volunteered with the Rensselaerville Ambulance, served for 33 years on the farm service agency, served for 16 years as a town councilman, was past president of farm bureau and helped start young farmer and rancher programs.  Tom was past president of the Rensselaerville Seniors Club, president of the Medusa Cemetery Association, lifetime member of the Medusa Volunteer Fire Company, member of the Rensselaerville Historical Society, and was a deacon and trustee of Preston Hollow Baptist Church.

Tom spent much of his life doing what he loved most—being with his family and working as a dairy farmer. He was also employed for many years at Stiefel’s (GlaxoSmithKline).

A true lover of animals, Tom had a special way of connecting with people and was known as a natural storyteller—often sharing memories of loved ones who had passed, and moments spent with friends over the years. He enjoyed gardening, traveling, and dining out (or in). One of his favorite traditions was taking trips to Lancaster County to visit Amish friends, bringing home canned goods and food for the freezer.

A memorial service will be held at Preston Hollow Baptist Church on Saturday, May 23rd at 10:30 a.m.  Overflow parking will be available at the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Company, and shuttle service to and from the church will be provided.

Burial will be at the discretion of the family.

A special thanks to Hospice of Albany County for all the attentive care and help.  Thanks also to our family, our church family, and a lot of great friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Preston Hollow Baptist Church.

Tom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Condolence messages can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.