Samuel E. Snyder, Sr., 66, of Bethlehem Twp., Pa., formerly of Phillipsburg, died Tuesday, March 1, 2005 in VNA Hospice at St. Luke's, Fountain Hill.

He retired in 1994 from the maintenance department of JCP&L - Gilbert Station, Milford, NJ after 31 years of service.

Born January 14, 1939 in Phillipsburg, he was a son of the late Joseph S., Sr., and Clara Evans Snyder.

Sam was a great sports enthusiast and traveled often with friends to see Penn State Football and NASCAR racing. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, Sr., "#3".

He graduated Phillipsburg High School in 1956 where he played varsity basketball.

He was an Air Force Veteran.

He was a two term vice president of the IBEW Union, #749-327. He was an exempt fireman and life member of the Lincoln Fire Company No. 2, Phillipsburg. Sam had memberships in many social organizations in the Bethlehem, Easton and Phillipsburg area, and was most proud to be a lifetime member of the Order of Fleas, Easton, where he formerly served on the board of directors.

Sam and his wife, the former Jo Anne Contuzzi, shared more than 31 years together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Samuel E., Jr., of Stewartsville, NJ; a daughter, Celeste Millheim of Washington, NJ; a step-daughter, Laurie Buchman of Bethlehem Twp., Pa.; 9 grandchildren, a great-grandson and Sam's devoted Black Labrador, "Murphy". A brother, Joseph S. Snyder, Jr. and a sister, Molly Hamler both died earlier.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home, 289 S Main St., Phillipsburg. Burial will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Phillipsburg. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted at www.noto-wynkoop.com.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations to the VNA Hospice at St. Luke's, Inpatient Unit, 709 Delaware Ave., Bethlehem, Pa. 18015.