University community mourns Mathematics Professor Emeritus Larry Snyder

The Ohio University community mourns the passing Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Larry Snyder, who passed away on Jan. 21.

Snyder retired in 2008 after more than 38 years teaching mathematics and computer science in the College of Arts and Sciences at OHIO. He also taught for several years at the University of Virginia. He earned his undergraduate degree from Shippensburg University and his master's and Ph.D. in mathematics from Purdue University.

"In addition to being an accomplished professor, he had many hobbies and passions outside the university. He was a proud boy scout in his younger years which is where he found his love for the outdoors. He always enjoyed tent camping, backpacking, and whitewater canoeing. Later in his life, he found a love and passion for downhill skiing and spent many years as the ski club advisor for Ohio University. He enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife and they traveled the world; visiting many places in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Countless memories were made," according to his obituary.

"Larry Snyder was one of the founders of our modern Mathematics Department. As graduate chair and graduate admission coordinator, he played a key role in the expansion of our graduate program. Larry was a kind and friendly colleague who provided invaluable advice to younger faculty members. His house was always a welcoming place to faculty and visitors. He will be sorely missed,” said Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Sergiu Aizicovici.

For many, Snyder was a charismatic presence in the department.

"Larry was already retired when I arrived in Athens in 2004, but he and his wife, Fran, hosted movie nights that were attended by many of us (then) younger faculty members. I remember watching 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and 'Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern are Dead' at their home, circa 2005," said Todd Eisworth, associate professor mathematics.

"I knew he had been ill, but until a few years ago we would still see each other in Kroger from time-to-time. He was very involved with community work and would come by the department every February to sell roses for Kiwanis and tickets for their chili dinner," Eisworth added.

Professor Emeritus Jeffrey Connor said Snyder was his introduction to OHIO. "Larry Snyder was the first person I met at OU. He took me to breakfast the day I interviewed for the position. He often came to lunch with me and others, and we talked about the topics of the day, including his experiences as a whitewater canoeist," Connor said.

"We, of course, also talked about math and went to a two-day workshop on wavelets together. I enjoyed the movie nights he hosted, and my wife and I would occasionally see Larry and Fran at a monthly potluck. He was always pleasant and easy going. We had a couple of helpful conversations when I was just getting started and he was graduate chair. And, as already been reported, an annual provider of roses for my wife,"  Connor added.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Surender K. said that Snyder "a very humble and polite individual with whom I had highly productive research collaborations for more than 20 years. He was admired by his students. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.”