Martin Avery Snyder OBITUARY

Martin Avery Snyder, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2024, surrounded by his family after a fall working in his favorite place, the garden. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Ann C. Snyder, his adored children, Becky Fawcett (Kipp), Martin Snyder (Michelle), Pearson Snyder (Amanda), Nicholas Snyder (Lisa), Sarina Snyder, seven grandchildren, and his brother, John Avery Snyder. Marty lived a life of purpose, intent, accomplishment, humor, and celebration. A true Polymath, he was a mathematician, contractor, malacologist, athlete, gardener, and an author of books on math, seashells, and many other publications. His passions included his home, gardening, wine, and entertaining, and he found great joy in sharing these passions with his family and friends. Marty was a graduate of the Episcopal Academy, MIT, and the Courant Institute at NYU, where he earned a PhD in Applied Mathematics. An educator at heart, Marty was also a lifelong student. He founded and ran QED Inc. for almost 55 years, bringing his academic rigor and curiosity to the business of residential construction. He enjoyed working with and learning from skilled craftspeople, often bragging to friends and family about the intellectual and mechanical brilliance of carpenters, roofers, metalworkers, and others. He took great joy on the occasions when one of these craftsmen solved a problem labeled “impossible” by an architect or engineer. Marty also continued his academic pursuits throughout his life, holding research positions at the Courant Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, and the Paris Museum of Natural History. He planted many trees, literally and figuratively, and enjoyed watching them grow. Marty never met a book he didn’t want to own, a subject he didn’t want to master, a shrub he didn’t want to prune, a seashell he didn’t want to name, or a joke he didn’t want to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Marty’s name to Williamson College of the Trades or Helpusadopt.org. A memorial service to be held on Friday, Feb. 16th, 2024 at 2pm at St. David’s Chapel, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Wayne PA. STUARD – NEWTOWN SQUARE A Family Tradition Since 1822