MILFORD, PA — Dick Snyder, co-owner of the Hotel Fauchere and a man who made a multitude of contributions to the local community, died on November 14.

Universally regarded as a man of gentleness, integrity, tremendous appreciation for and love of natural beauty, generosity and an exceptional commitment to community. Dick Snyder was active in a number of conservation, cultural, historic preservation and civic organizations. He served on the boards of the Pinchot Institute for Conservation (1998-2004), Pike County Conservation District, Historic Preservation Trust of Pike County (since 2003) and American Readers Theatre.

One of his most visible community endeavors began in 1997 when he founded, and since chaired, the Milford Enhancement Committee (MEC), whose goal is to make Milford a better place in which to live, visit and do business. Over the course of 17 years, the MEC has raised and invested more than $6 million in improving Milford’s streetscapes and public spaces to make them safer, more attractive and more pedestrian friendly. In the several years prior to his death, he was active in helping to launch the Greater Pike Community Foundation.

Another of Dick’s long-term philanthropic commitments was to the fight against multiple sclerosis, inspired by his sister Carol’s struggle with the disease. He became active in MS work in 1977, served on the board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) from 1981 to 2002 and then, until his death, served as an Honorary Life Director. At various times he served as treasurer and chairman of the Finance Committee, secretary, chairman of the Research and Medical Programs Committee and as board chair from 1994 to 1998. From 1997 to 2002 he served on the Board of the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, London, England.

A memorial service will be scheduled for the spring.