Odell, Illinois: John Snyder, affectionately known as the Dean, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17, 2025, at 93. His family is deeply affected by this tragic news.
He coached for over four decades, and his legacy in high school basketball is genuinely remarkable.
Highlights
- John Snyder, the son of Gene and Mary Vivian Snyder, passed away peacefully at his home on February 17, 2025, at the age of 93.
- At 14, his parents passed away when a train struck their car, and his two brothers, Mike and Gene, also died in an automobile accident.
- He married his girlfriend, Sandy Rhoman, from ISNU on July 30, 1960, and traveled the world.
John Snyder was an outstanding athlete at Cornell High School and earned five Varsity letters during his senior year. Following his graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was a proud Marine who served in Korea’s First Marine Division and saw combat for a year. Once the war ended, he enrolled at Illinois State Normal University using the GI Bill.
He pursued a teaching and coaching career because of his bond with his high school coach. He taught American history and coached baseball and basketball at Trinity High School.
Moreover, in 1965, he served as the Varsity coach for the Saints football, basketball, and baseball teams, and his team won 558 games, 16 Regional titles, and 3 Sectional titles.
During 1 stretch in regional play, the Saints compiled a record of 32 wins and 1 loss. They even made three appearances in the Elite 8 in Champaign.
The Dean’s heart and soul belonged to the Central Catholic Saints and became the first layman to become the school’s Athletic Director.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of “The Dean’, John Snyder. He was a beloved coach, teacher, and mentor who dedicated many years to shaping the lives of countless students at Trinity and Central Catholic High School. His legacy will forever remain a part of our Saints history. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those in our Saints family whose lives he touched. Rest in peace, Coach Snyder. You will be missed.
Central Catholic High School
John Snyder’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
John Snyder, the son of Gene and Mary Vivian Snyder, was born on December 7, 1931, in Odell, Illinois. He grew up with his aunt, Bernadine, and uncle, John, in Cornell, Illinois.
He had a sad childhood. At 14, his parents passed away when a train struck their car, and his two brothers, Mike and Gene, were also killed in automobile accidents.
John met his wife, Sandy Rhoman, at ISNU, and they married on July 30, 1960, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Metamora, Illinois.
The married couple visited more than 40 states and many Canadian provinces during the summer when their children were young. He had always wanted to travel to Ireland and fulfilled his dream with his wife.
He loved his family and always looked forward to gatherings, especially Christmas celebrations.
Unfortunately, his tragic passing left the Snyder family heartbroken. His parents, Gene and Mary Vivian; brothers, Mike, Pat, Gene, and Jim Snyder; sister, Margaret Colclasure; and son, John Snyder Jr., preceded in death. John Snyder Jr. passed away in 2008.
Similarly, his uncle and aunt, whom he lived with, also died before him.
On the other hand, John’s wife of 64 years, Sandra; son, Mark; daughter, Rae Ann Ploense; four grandchildren, Danny Snyder, Allison Ploense, Brady Ploense, and Emma Snyder; great-grandchild, Josie Snyder; and sister, Joan Soltis, survive him.
He also had a close bond with his nieces and nephews.
Furthermore, his visitation will be held at Central Catholic High School in Cvengros Gymnasium from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Friday, February 21, 2025.
The mass of Christian burial will be on Saturday, February 22, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Military rites will also be performed, followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Normal.
John’s contributions extended beyond the court. He played a significant role in the lives of many young athletes, helping them grow on and off the court.
He coached numerous All-State players and felt privileged to work with outstanding young athletes. His exceptional accomplishments helped him garner many allocates.
Moreover, he was inducted into several Halls of Fame, including the Central Catholic Hall, Illinois Basketball Coaches, Illinois State University Athletic, and Bloomington Normal Officials.
He was a beloved figure, and everyone loved his stories, no matter how often they heard them. His visitors to the family home always left with lottery scratch-offs.
Rest In Peace, John Snyder.
Additional Information
- John Snyder earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Illinois State Normal University (ISNU).
- He was IBCA Class A District Coach of the Year in 1976 and 1979.
- He was an avid Chicago White Sox and Notre Dame fan and loved spending winters in Destin, Florida.
- A high school basketball coach was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church and the VFW.
