Pleasantville, PA — The Pleasantville community is mourning the sudden passing of Joseph “Joe” Lanny Snyder, 38, who died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 28, 2025.
Born on June 13, 1987, in Oil City, Joe was the beloved son of Kevin and Tammi Whitman Snyder. From a young age, his love for sports, the outdoors, and people shaped the man he would become. A 2006 graduate of Titusville High School, Joe was a proud member of the school’s varsity football, wrestling, and baseball teams. His passion for athletics carried beyond high school, as he later attended Slippery Rock University.
On May 25, 2012, Joe married Caitlin D. Brogan, the love of his life. Together they created a home in Pleasantville filled with laughter, warmth, and the joy of raising their two children, Cael and Annie. For Joe, family was everything, and his pride in being a husband and father was unmatched.
Joe worked alongside his brother, Justin, at Snyder Bros Logging, a job that reflected both his strong work ethic and his love for working outdoors. But beyond work, his life was woven into the community in countless ways. He was a member of the Monday night golf league at Green Acres, bowled in the Wednesday and Friday night leagues at Lin Van Lanes, and, perhaps most importantly, he devoted himself to mentoring young athletes as a volunteer assistant coach for Titusville High School and youth wrestling teams. His athletes remember him as encouraging, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to help them grow both on and off the mat.
To his friends and family, Joe was known as kind-hearted, dependable, and always ready with a smile or helping hand. He loved the simple joys of life—hunting, fishing, golfing, and bowling—and he carried an unwavering love for Penn State wrestling and football, balanced with his famously good-natured dislike of Ohio State.
Joe’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him. He is survived by those who loved him most: his wife Caitlin, children Cael and Annie, parents Kevin and Tammi Snyder, brother Justin Snyder and wife Kristen, grandfather Rulin “Jeff” Snyder, maternal grandparents Lanny and Ardelle Whitman, and in-laws David and Lynda Brogan. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law Bevin Orr and husband Aric, brother-in-law Ethan Brogan-Mecham and wife Kandace, his nieces and nephews Jayden, Brinlee “B,” Baylee, Porter, Atticus, and Penelope, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Pauline T. Snyder, and his uncle, Craig Snyder, who welcomed him into eternity with love.
A Time to Remember
Family and friends will gather to honor Joe’s life with visitation at Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc., 303 N. Washington St., Titusville, on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Additional visitation will be held on Tuesday at Bethel United Methodist Church from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Jake Ongley. Joe will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery.
Honoring His Legacy
In keeping with Joe’s giving nature, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to:
- Gordon B. Garrett Funeral Home Inc., 303 N. Washington St., Titusville, PA 16354 (or via the “Donate Now” option), or
- Titusville Area Youth Wrestling Club, where Joe’s love for coaching and mentoring young athletes will continue to make a difference.
Joseph “Joe” Snyder will be remembered as so much more than a husband, father, son, or coach—he was a true friend, a man of integrity, and a bright light in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. His legacy of kindness, laughter, and love will live on forever in the hearts of those who carry his memory.