Gerald (Jerry) M. Snyder

Gerald (Jerry) M Snyder, age 71, of Sarasota, passed away on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at his home. A celebration of life will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, August 27th, at TPC Prestancia Country Club in the Orchid Room at 4409 Tournament Players Club Drive, Sarasota, Florida 34238. Jerry was born in Hillsdale, Michigan to Ralph E and Madeleine (Gaillard) Snyder on Monday, August 12, 1946. His parents met during the war in Africa. Shortly after Jerry was born, his family moved to Paris, France for several years. (Jerry spoke fluent French). After returning to the United States, Jerry's family moved back to Hillsdale and then to Coldwater, Michigan during his senior year of high school. Jerry graduated from Coldwater High in 1964. Jerry met his wife JoAnn (Derrickson) Snyder in high school, and they were married on June 24, 1967. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 24, 2017. Jerry attended Alma College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1968 with degrees in Prelaw and Political Science. He attended the University of Colorado for graduate school and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Arts in Medieval History in 1970. He also holds 75 hours towards a PHD from the University of Colorado. Jerry served as a teaching associate at the University of Colorado from 1968-1971. After leaving Colorado, Jerry began his career by teaching advanced placement history classes at Bolles Private School in Jacksonville, Florida from 1971-1976. Jerry and JoAnn moved to Indiana in 1977, and Jerry started working for Ashland Chemical in the Industrial Chemicals and Solvents Division. Their only son Bryon was born in 1979 in Ft. Wayne. Jerry continued to work in the chemical industry in Columbus, Ohio, and he became Ashland Chemical's Global Business Director in 1989. Jerry worked his way up at Ashland Chemical and served as the Vice President and General Manager of Ashland Plastics International from 1994-1998 and VP/GM of the Fine Ingredients Division from 1998-2002. Jerry ended his successful career at Ashland as VP of Strategy and Change from 2002-2004 and VP of Strategy ADC/AI from 2004-2005. Jerry and JoAnn then moved to Sarasota, Florida where Jerry continued to work as a Professional Consultant for Compass Minerals, Nachurs Alpine Corporation, Metts Corporation, and Rhodia Corporation (Novecare Division in both Paris, France and Cranberry, N.J.). Jerry enjoyed playing golf, reading, swimming, keeping up with his favorite college football team—the University of Michigan—and playing with his grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his wife, JoAnn, son, Bryon, daughter-in-law, Monica, and three beautiful grandchildren, Cameron (18), Isabelle (3), and Rayne (3). Jerry is also survived by his brother, Phillip Snyder, and his wife, Kathi, and their two adult children, Sean and Mark, and their families. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Vintage Paws at Ace Kennels for the care of unwanted elderly dogs at vintagepaws.com.

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Gerald (Jerry) M. Snyder

August 12, 1946 - August 22, 2017