Russell E. Snyder of Fremont, OH—former police officer and beloved husband, father, “Papa,” and friend—passed away in his home on the evening of June 27, 2022. He was 68 years old. Russell was born March 31, 1954 to the late George, Sr. and Donna Snyder in Bellevue. A 1972 graduate of Clyde High School, Russell attended Vanguard Vocational Center and later studied Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice at Terra Community College. He served dutifully as a Fremont Police Officer for 22 years, receiving multiple letters of commendation before his retirement in 1997. Not one to stay idle for too long, Russell went from patrolling the streets to patrolling the hallways, continuing his lifelong service to the City of Fremont as a Student Monitor at Ross High School. Whether he was handing out wisdom, one-liners or peppermints, the students and staff embraced him as a Little Giant for 17 years.
An entrepreneur who started multiple small businesses—a painting and wallpaper service as well as an ammunition and firearms company with his youngest son—Russell took the utmost pride in working with his hands. He built four homes, tended to two Little Red Corvettes, and was never more than a phone call away if help was needed. Until very recently, Russell worked as a storekeeper and security guard at Fisher’s Carryout in Fremont.
Russell met his wife Vickie in 1982 when the two were introduced by a fellow police officer. One year later they were married, exchanging vows in the rose garden of the Hayes Presidential Center. A member of St. Ann Catholic Church, the VFW, and the Fraternal Order of Police (George Croghan Lodge #35, where he served as Treasurer for many years), Russell enjoyed boating and fishing Lake Erie, where he shared a wealth of memorable outings with his wife, children, and friends. A loyal Ohio State Buckeye supporter, Russell was known for his many scarlet caps and OSU shirts.
Left to cherish his memory are his devoted, loving wife, Vickie; daughter Betsy Burkett (of Los Angeles, CA), sons Benjamin Burkett, MD (of Columbus, OH) and Steven Snyder (of Circleville, OH), and son-in-law Richard Thomas (of Los Angeles, CA); grandsons Kayden, Maximus, Liam, and Aleksandr; mother-in-law Carole Keller; closest friends Diane and Muk; aunt Ann Hansen and siblings Randy (Kay) Snyder, Lynnette (Bob) Van Fleet, Annette Logan, Connie (Tony) Aiello, and George (Jodi) Snyder, along with many nieces and nephews.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents, George and Donna; and a brother Timothy Snyder.
A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home and Crematory, 425 E State St., Fremont, OH.
Donations can be made to the Sandusky County United Way Cancer Care Foundation or to St. Ann’s Church.
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Bob Hahn
Vickie,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time!
May he RIP!!
Bob Hahn
Vickie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time!
May he RIP!!
Kathy Stout
Vickie,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
John Ramirez
Sorry for your loss
Melanie Boyd
Vickie, I am so sorry. You and your family have my sympathy and prayers.
Missy Flahiff
Vickie and Family,sorry to hear of your loss. May God comfort you during this very sad time. God bless you all. Love Sandy,and Missy Wehring and Family
Trina Capucini
Vickie , I am so so sorry for your family’s loss. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed the last time I got to sit down and chat with you and Russ. He was a great man.
You are all in my heart during this difficult time.
Love,
Trina
Stacey McGregor
Dr Burkett I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
From your Ortho Family in Ky
Marie Black
Vickie. so sorry to hear about Russ. My prayers and hugs to you and your family.❤
Madeline Aldrich
I loved Mr.Snyder. That was my dudeee!! He was the sweetest guy ever. He helped me out so much and kepted me out of trouble. My heart hurts for the fanily
Donna Durst
My sincere condolences to all the Snyder family. Russ was my neighbor for years when we were growing up in Clyde on Mechanic Street! I haven’t seen him in years but I remember all our fun as kids. Prayers for peace and comfort for all!
Monte and Karla Huss
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Russ our sympathy to all of you
Dick and Carol Hoffman
To Russ’s family and friends, It is with heavy sorrow that we send out to you our heartfelt condolences. Russ was a Brother Officer and member of Colonel George Croghan Lodge 35 of the Fraternal Order of Police. It is our sincere prayer that the Good Lord through the Holy Spirit will bring comfort to the family and friends, understanding that his suffering is over. May we all keep a peace in our hearts through all the great memories we have of him.
JOANNE M MCDOWELL
Dear Vickie and family,
You all did such a tremendous job helping Russ fight cancer, know that he is at peace and you will see him again someday. Prayers and love are being sent to all of you.
Sean
RIP Russ…. You may be gone, but not forgotten…
Jim and Sara Wagner
Sending our sincere condolences and prayers to the family ~
Brenda White
Vickie and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. Russ was a great friend and co-worker from Fremont Ross. We both were able to have fun conversations with Russ and we enjoyed his long friendship.
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you move through this transition of life. We are here for you and we will always remember Russ and his stories.
Tony and Brenda White, Galion, OH
Carol
Dearest Vickie, I am so saddened to read about your husband’s death. Know that Russ, and all who love him, are in my prayers this day and for the days ahead.
Holding you close in my heart and my prayers.
Carol Miller
Lori newlove ( NewBee )
My blood may not be the same. But my heart for many many years knew you as uncle Russ. Heaven gained and amazing, loving, caring and yes wild man. Our minds will go on but our hearts will need time too heel. All my love to the whole family. If I had to have any extended family in this world I’m glad I got the best one ever. Love you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers always ❤️❤️❤️
Bill Haas
Vickie and family, you have my sympathy, considered Russ a good friend. Enjoyed our many fishing trips.
Greg & Ann Waire
Thinking of you and your family during this sad time. God bless you all.
Mary Jane Tight
So sorry for your loss
Debbi Taylor Wagner
Condolences to the Family of Russ. May God comfort each of you at this difficult time.
Albert and Marty Zamora
Hi Vickie- I am so very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing . Please know that I’m offering my prayers for you and your family.
In Sympathy,
Marty Zamora and husband Albert
Ed and Pam Garza
Vickie and family,
Our condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
REST IN PEACE MY BLUE BROTHER RUSS.
Betsy Alexander
Wow, what a life well lived by Russ as per his obituary. Russ was a friendly, interesting guy who demonstrated family devotion and dedication. Thus, we always enjoyed seeing Russ at family reunions!
Cousin Vickie and family you have our condolences for your great loss. Russ left a legacy and heritage behind him.
Note: We were sorry to have missed the service for Russ as we were on vacation out of State.
Please forgive us!
May God Bless and keep you!
Lori Smith
Vickie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Steven
Rest In Peace dad, I’ll miss you. I love you so much.
Dorothy Blaner
Vickie and family
So sorry to learn today that your dear husband Russ has passed. Deepest sympathy to you. Eternal memory for Russ. God bless all of you.
James Eberly
Vickie,
I just found out today from Lee Bowden that Russ had passed away. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Rest In Peace My Brother In Blue.