Ryan Victor Snyder, a 19-year-old student at the University of Georgia, passed away last week, leaving behind a grieving family, friends, and a wide community that remembers him for his warmth, humor, and many passions.
His death has prompted an outpouring of love and reflection from those who knew him across different stages of his life. Ryan was a business student at UGA, where he was beginning to shape his future with curiosity and ambition.
Before college, he distinguished himself academically and athletically during high school. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in several sports, including basketball, volleyball, and wrestling.
Those experiences reflected not only his discipline and competitive spirit, but also his ability to connect with teammates and classmates alike. Outside of academics and athletics, Ryan had a wide range of interests that brought him joy and helped define his personality.
According to his obituary, he loved movies, poker, sports, and spending time in nature. He was especially known for his “wonderfully dry sense of humor,” a quality that endeared him to many and often brought laughter to everyday moments. Friends recall his wit as subtle but sharp, and his presence as comforting and genuine.
Ryan formed deep bonds both at home and away. He was beloved by his high school friends and by those he met at Six Points, a Jewish sports camp in North Carolina that became a second home to him.
The camp community played a meaningful role in his life, offering friendship, tradition, and a sense of belonging that stayed with him over the years. Family was at the center of Ryan’s world.
He enjoyed playing board games with his loved ones and was an enthusiastic participant in multiple fantasy football leagues. One league, in particular, brought together several generations of his family, including his brother, cousins, uncle, father, and grandfather.
These shared activities created memories that his family says they will always cherish. A private family burial was held at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield.
To honor Ryan’s life, a memorial service will be held at Congregation Shaare Emeth, located at 11645 Ladue Road, on Sunday, December 14, at 1:30 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be available by selecting “watch video.”
In lieu of flowers, the family has invited contributions in Ryan’s memory to organizations that reflect care, community, and support. Donations may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Louis, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
