Waukegan attorney a tireless advocate for children

Known as a tireless advocate for children and a man devoted to bettering his community, friends and family of Gerald Snyder, Jr. say he is leaving a remarkable legacy.

A Waukegan family law attorney, Snyder, 75, died June 16 from complications after having a stroke. The Lake Bluff man is survived by his wife Elaine, four children and eight grandchildren.

"He lived his whole life serving people," Elaine said. "He couldn't retire."

A partner in the firm of Snyder, Clarke and Fouts, Snyder had a heart to help woman and children in crisis situations.

Law partner Jim Fouts said Snyder took a personal interest in his clients.

"There were times where a woman wouldn't be able to afford a lawyer and Gerry would pay," Fouts said. "There were times when these people needed a place to stay and Gerry would put them up in a motel. He had an unending compassion for children."

Fouts said Snyder would also sponsor dozens of children to attend Camp Jorn, a YMCA facility in Wisconsin that was started by Snyder's father decades ago.

A graduate of Trinity College in Hartford, CT and the University of Wisconsin Law School, Snyder was also a member of the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command serving from 1955 to 1958. He was a navigator in the 376th Air Refueling Squadron, which refueled jet bombers in mid-flight.

Snyder also devoted time serving in the Episcopal Church and sang in church choirs for nearly 45 years.

A member of the Lake Bluff Park Board, Snyder was instrumental in the village's planning and construction of the Blair Park Pool and Recreation Center, his wife Elaine said.

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Church of the Annunciation, 5725 Stearns School Road, Gurnee.