Arlene Apfel Snyder, age 75, of Media, Pennsylvania, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, at UPMC Presbyterian University Hospital in Pittsburgh, following a surgical procedure. Born on September 21, 1950, to Karl and Albina (Valavicius) Apfel in Pittsburgh, Arlene was raised alongside her sister, Marlane, and her brother, Karl.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 50 years, Timothy P. Snyder; their three sons, Timothy Paul, Adam Conrad, and Niels Erik (Hillary); and seven cherished grandchildren: Noah, Maxwell, Jude, Lucas, and Kooper in Philadelphia, and Orion and Cora in California. Also surviving are loving brother-in-law, Todd Snyder, and nephews Christopher and Shawn (Sephanie) Keaney.
Arlene and Tim shared a lifetime of joy and service, embodying a partnership rooted in empathy, creativity, and intentional interdependence. Their shared dedication to education, healthcare, and human services made them a formidable force for community good. Through their visionary leadership, they connected compassionate civic leaders and philanthropists in collaborative projects that enhanced the lives of those around them.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Arlene’s career and personal life was marked by a deep commitment to serving others. She served for a decade as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Williamson College of the Trades in Media, PA.
Warm, caring, gregarious, and energetic, Arlene was a transformational fundraiser, leading two successful comprehensive capital campaigns that significantly advanced the College’s mission of providing tuition-free education in the trades to disadvantaged young men. Her passion for helping students break the cycle of generational poverty was evident in her authentic storytelling, which inspired prospective donors and partners. Arlene had a remarkable ability to listen and understand the core values and interests of her supporters.
Arlene earned her bachelor’s degree in 1971 and her master’s degree in 1972 from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her distinguished nonprofit career as Executive Director at Pittsburgh’s Vintage, Inc., a service center for aging adults. Over nearly 20 years at Vintage, she developed innovative, nationally recognized programs, including the region’s first adult daycare center in 1980, and established a pioneering geriatric research institute.
Following her impactful tenure at Vintage, Arlene became a highly successful fundraising leader in Pittsburgh, serving The Western Pennsylvania Hospital Foundation and Allegheny Health Network. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she led the Medstar Washington Hospital Center Foundation and the Johns Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation before joining Williamson in 2015.
Arlene was drawn to Greater Philadelphia by the opportunity to live near five of her young grandchildren. Despite her demanding role at Williamson, she remained an active and hands-on grandmother. Her weekends and evenings were filled with attending wrestling tournaments, swim meets, and school concerts, where she delighted in sharing stories about her grandsons’ antics and accomplishments.
Visitation:The Snyder family will welcome visitors on Tuesday, May 19th from 9:30-11:30 AM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Middletown (Rte. #352) & Knowlton Rds., Middletown Twp., Media, PA 19063.
A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th at 2:00 PM at Williamson College of the Trades Chapel, 106 S. New Middletown Rd., Media, PA 19063.
Link to live streaming broadcast:
The Graveside Committal Service for Arlene at Aspen Grove Cemetery will be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Snyder Family Endowment within the Heart Song Endowment at the Community Foundation of Des Moines County.
Information about making gifts in memory of Arlene will be announced soon.