Sherdell A. Snyder, known to family and friends as Pat, passed away on May 4, 2026, in State College, Pennsylvania. Born on March 8, 1931, in Felton, Pennsylvania. Pat was the son of the late Albert J. Snyder and the late Rosetta K. Miller. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine D. Snyder, and his sister, Jeanne Dunnick. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ashcraft and her husband Brian; his sons, Patrick Snyder and his wife Erin, and Michael Snyder and his wife Lisa; eleven grandchildren Jessica Ashcraft, Sara Ashcraft, Kelly Ashcraft, Jennifer Wheeland (Derek), John Ashcraft, Kevin (Jenna), Ryan Snyder, Carly Kizza (Eddie), Seth Snyder (Emily) Alex Snyder (Liz) Molly Bogedain (Johnny); and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His family was the center of his life, and he took great pride in each generation that followed him.
A proud graduate of Lebanon Valley College, Pat earned his B.S. degree while also making his mark as a football player, serving as a defensive end for all four years of his college career. He continued his education through postgraduate study at Penn State and McDaniel College. His love of learning and his belief in the importance of education shaped the many ways he later served young people and his community.
Pat dedicated much of his professional life to State College Area High School, where he served as a guidance counselor. He was especially proud to have been the counselor for the Class of 1969, a class he remembered as special and one he guided for six years. In addition to counseling, an assistant football coach and assistant baseball coach at State College Area High School. The football team won the Pennsylvania State Championship in 1973, and the baseball team earned the Pennsylvania State Championship in 1979. His contributions to the game and to young athletes were later recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Central Pennsylvania Football Coaches Association
He loved music and was always a member of a band. Over the years, he performed with Sentimental Journeys at the Village at Penn State, Second Winds part of the State College Senior Center, the Bellefonte Community Band, the Paul Carney Banjo Band, and the Altoona Jaffa Mosque Band. He was a member of the choir at Park Forest Village United Methodist Church for many years. Music brought him joy.
He was also an avid fisherman and treasured time spent fishing in the streams of Centre County, rivers of Alaska, and at Bob’s Lake in Ontario. Pat enjoyed sharing laughter with those he loved, and he wrote funny poems for family and friends that reflected his quick wit and creative spirit. In 2022, he authored the book Can You Understand Pennsylvania Dutch, followed by Volume 2 in 2025.
Those who knew Pat will remember him as a funny and creative man who brought energy, encouragement, and kindness wherever he went. He had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued, and his influence reached far beyond the classroom, the ball field, and the bandstand. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the students he guided, the athletes he coached, the music he shared, and the family he loved so deeply.
Friends will be received on Monday, May 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA.
Sherdell will be laid to rest in the Boalsburg Cemetery, Boalsburg, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sherdell may be made to Park Forest Village United Methodist Church,1833 Park Forest Avenue, State College PA 16803