Carl Harold Snyder

Carl Harold Snyder, age 72, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2023 in Ocala, Florida. His devoted wife of 50 years, Christine (“Chris”) Snyder, was by his side.  Memories of Carl will be forever cherished by Christine, as well as his surviving family: his sister Judy Weddington; his three daughters, Erika Sanders and her husband Aaron, Miranda Snyder, Jessica Parks and her husband Michael; and Carl’s seven grandchildren: Malik (21), Ethan (8), Emma (7), Gavin (6), Nora (5), Lia and Owen (2). Carl will be greatly missed by countless other family members, friends, and former colleagues.

Carl was born on February 13, 1951 to Robert and Hilda Snyder in Watertown, NY, approximately 30 miles from the Canadian border. His lifelong interest in the outdoors and strong work ethic emerged at a young age. After graduating from Watertown High School, Carl pursued a degree in Forestry from Paul Smith’s College, located in one of his favorite places growing up - Adirondack State Park. He took his first job in 1971 as a delivery truck driver for Wickes Lumber in Horseheads, NY, where he later worked his way up to a management position that he held for 20 years.

At age 22, Carl met Christine at a bowling alley and fell immediately in love. Despite his usually reserved personality, he insisted that she go out with him and did not take no for an answer! They married on November 24, 1973 in Massena, NY.  The couple bought their first home in Elmira Heights, NY and later moved to Horseheads, NY, where they raised Erika, Miranda, and Jessica. In 1998 the family built their current home in Lansing, NY, a town that offered natural beauty, views of Cayuga lake, and an opportunity for Carl to develop expertise in business ownership, real estate, and land development.

In 2008 Carl founded his passion project, New York Land Quest, where he worked until his retirement at age 70. New York Land Quest blossomed into a respected and successful niche real estate company focused on selling land in scenic upstate New York, including popular destinations such as the Enchanted Mountains, the Finger Lakes, the Catskills, and the Adirondacks. Carl’s vision and mission for New York Land Quest was to make it a place that helps people “build dreams and memories for a lifetime”. He thrived helping his clients find the ideal property upon which to build their family homes, country getaways, farms, and investment properties.

After 50 years in the workforce, Carl continued to thrive in retirement, during which he was able to exclusively focus on his greatest passions of all: his wife, children, and grandchildren. This past November he and Christine celebrated their 50th anniversary, the last occasion he was able to spend with his entire family. His daughters always looked to him for words of wisdom, which he usually delivered with a dry sense of humor and witty one-liners. He was the proudest Pop Pop and an enthusiastic spectator at soccer games, theater performances, dance recitals, and school events. Retirement also enabled Carl to further cultivate his impressive range of hobbies and entrepreneurial pursuits. His favorite pastimes included many outdoor activities (fishing, canoeing, camping, trapping, boating around the Finger Lakes), painting, making home furnishings for Christine, and tinkering with his 1956 MG convertible (which he finally got running and was determined to get on the road this year).

In 2021, Carl and Christine bought a second home in Ocala, Florida, and quickly embraced the snowbird lifestyle. Carl kept busy in Florida doing archery, woodworking classes, playing horseshoes, seeing live music with Christine in the town square, and exploring Florida’s coastline. He continued to cultivate his creative side and was in the process of converting part of his garage into an art gallery. During retirement Carl also discovered a new interest in travel, and resolved to take a new trip every quarter. He and Christine recently visited Nashville, Las Vegas, and Hawaii..

Carl will always be remembered for his devotion to his family and friends, adventurous spirit, admirable work ethic, and dedication to his crafts and business. May his memory and inspiration live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him. Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 22 from 4 to 6 p.m, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 23 at 10 a.m., both at Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY.  Please consider donating to the American Heart Association in Carl’s name.