Donald I. Snider Obituary (2007)

Donald I. Snider, age 93, retired funeral director. Born February 6, 1914, to Sarah and Julius Snider, Don attended The Ohio State University and the Cleveland Mortuary College. After completing his class work and apprenticeship, Don opened the first Jewish funeral chapel in Columbus in 1939. He owned and operated the business with his wife and business partner, Jeanette, for nearly 40 years. Don was active in Jewish community organizations—a 50 year member of B’nai B’rith Men and a life member of the Zionist Organization. At one time, he belonged to every synagogue in the Jewish community. His professional memberships included the Jewish Funeral Directors of America, Inc., serving on the Board several times; the Ohio State Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. He sold the chapel and business in 1978. Don enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gardening, collecting antiques, and was an avid fisherman. Preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette, parents, sister and brother-in-law, Fay (Abe) Levison, brother and sister-in-law, Russell (Cecelia) Snider and brother-in-law Joseph Weisberg; he is survived by his children, Denise S. (Richard) Kohn, Eric K. Snider, and sister-in-law, Noreen Weisberg, of Columbus; sister-in-law, Lois Weisberg, of Chicago; and six grandchildren: Todd Blank, Greggory (Candi Herritt) Blank, Alison (Robert) Forche’, Jennifer (Brian) Lee, Jaime (Anthony) Grilli, all of Columbus, and Eric (Amy) Johnson of Augusta, Ga. Also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Ashley and Dylan Forche’, Margaret and Madelyn Lee, Erik Blank, Raymond Grilli, Emily, Abigail and Molly Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Monday, February 19th from 1-2 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Epstein Memorial Chapel, 3232 E. Main St., with Rabbi Howard Apothaker officiating. Burial will follow at New Agudas Achim Cemetery on Refugee Road. Following the burial, family will receive callers at the Kohn residence, and on Monday evening. Contributions may be made to Temple Beth Shalom Art Fund or charity of choice. Special thanks to Sunrise of Gahanna and Mt. Carmel Hospice for their devoted support and caring.