Clayton Dale Snyder, 91, a lifelong resident of Union Twp., passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016, in Lawrence County Geri-Care, after succumbing to pneumonia.

Mr. Snyder was born December 20, 1924, in Willow Grove, PA, a son of the late Clayton Karl and Mary Elizabeth Snyder.

Clayton was a 1942 graduate of Mt. Jackson High School where he was known for his musical abilities.

He taught himself to play many instruments including, but not limited to: trombone, piano and harmonica. Clayton would perform concerts at the school, and his wife Jean, often spoke in particular of his trombone rendition of "Over the Rainbow."

Dale, as he was referred to by his wife, served with the United States Marine Corps during WWII.

His wife of nearly 70 years, the former Jean Urey, whom he married September 18, 1946, passed away September 3rd of the year.

Clayton retired from Rockwell Axle Division after approximately 20 years of service. He was previously employed by Johnson Bronze for 26 years.

Clayton was a dedicated father and grandfather. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends and eating breakfasts at different establishments around town.

He is survived by: two sons, Kenneth L. Snyder and his wife Cathy; and Gary D. Snyder and his wife Terry, all of New Castle; five grandchildren, Tricia McGonigle, Valerie Timko, Gary Snyder, Melanie Devincentis and Leah Davies; and 14 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren will most remember his kind spirit, his jokes and his laughter.

In addition to his parents and wife, Clayton was preceded in death by eight siblings: Mary, Josephine, Nellie, Lillian, Clifford, Ralph, Arthur and Henry.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Toys for Tots. Local toy drop-off locations and donation forms can be found online at  http://new-castle-pa.toysfortots.org/.

Calling hours will be 11 a.m. until the time of service Saturday (12-3-16) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m., Saturday in the funeral home, with Rev. Richard Nero officiating. Military honors will be rendered prior to the service by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.

Interment will follow in Castle View Memorial Gardens.