Thursday, September 14, 2023
My condolences to the Snider family.
If I may share a brief but memorable memory of Mrs. Snider. My dad and I were on a flight from Islip to Orlando, she sat in the aisle seat, dad middle and I at the window. All complete strangers, kindly greeting each other. I recall her being so warm & pleasant. Mrs. Snider and dad began friendly conversation instantly. For myself, looking out the window and napping was it.
At one point the conversation changed to art, a topic my dad was very familiar with. He painted & wrote poetry also did calligraphy. So that was the link, Mrs. Snider mentioned of being an Art Teacher and her passion for teaching. She spoke of different kinds of art styles she enjoyed. Also her interest in poetry and or calligraphy. This had taken place in about the late 90's. So just before landing my dad and I said to Mrs. Snider how inspiring and enjoyable it was to meet her. She asked if she had questions with poetry or if my dad had any art questions if they can contact each other, so they shared contact info. My dad was in his early 80s and I was late 30s. Now, still up to this point I had no idea that she's the Mom of a famous Rock Artist.
As we're unbuckling our seat belts she says to me that I probably heard of her son Dee before, he plays in a band. I replied Oh, I don't know, what band. Dee Snider of Twisted Sister. Now I'm easy going and quiet, I said "What" of course I do, my friends and I followed them all over the Island. I just heard an interview with him on the Howard Stern show, and begins telling us how really nice Howard is, nothing like the show and Dee & Howard are good friends. She also spoke about her loving family. I felt hesitant and out of place sharing this brief but priceless moment with Mrs. Snider, but felt it's the right thing to do. The many hearts that she joyfully enriched from students to family & friends will ripple forever with passion, love & concern.
Love,
Carl Proia Jr. and my late Dad Carl Proia Sr.
