Paul Jere “PJ” Snider, beloved son, brother, and light to all who knew him, was born on Saturday, October 22, 2016, to Jeremy and Gabrielle Snider. He was their first-born child and a proud big brother to his younger brothers, Noah and Rory.
From the very beginning, PJ captured hearts effortlessly. With his sun-kissed blonde hair, remarkable steel-blue eyes, and the sweetest, most genuine smile, he radiated a joy that drew people in. His gentle, happy spirit made him unforgettable to anyone fortunate enough to meet him.
In his early years, PJ was affectionately known as “Mr. Busy.” He was always on the move, running whenever there was space, climbing anything that could be climbed, and dancing the moment music filled the air. But above all else, PJ loved people. Whether family or friends, he greeted everyone with warm hugs and tender kisses, sharing a love that was pure and constant.
Though PJ spoke few words, he communicated in ways that were far more powerful. He would take your hand and lead you where he wanted to go, point out the things that captured his curiosity, or gently place his hands on your face in a silent but unmistakable expression of love. PJ taught everyone around him that the truest communication comes not from words, but from the heart.
In the spring and summer of 2022, we began to notice changes in PJ, subtle at first, then sudden and overwhelming. As our family endured the heartbreaking loss of his baby brother Rory in August of that year, we were faced with another unimaginable challenge. Instead of having time to grieve, we began a relentless search for answers about PJ’s health.
In January 2023, PJ was diagnosed with Batten Disease CLN6, an ultra-rare, rapidly progressive, and terminal neurodegenerative disorder. Over the next three years, PJ bravely endured the loss of many abilities; walking, speaking, seeing, and eventually eating safely. His condition made him vulnerable to illness and brought increasing physical challenges.
Yet even as the disease took so much, it could never take his joy. PJ’s smile continued to light up every room. His laughter, his expressions, and his presence remained a source of warmth and happiness. Thanks to an incredible community of love and support, PJ was able to continue attending school at the Franklin Learning Center, one of his greatest joys. The mere mention of a bus ride or time with his friends would bring out his brightest smiles and happiest sounds.
In addition to school, PJ loved movies and shows. Among his favorites were: The Grinch, Cars, Monsters University, Paw Patrol, Toy Story, Encanto, The Secret Life of Pets, Puppy Dog Pals, Daniel Tiger, Sesame Street, and Bluey. Most recently, his favorite activity was listening to his Tonie Box, a toy which allowed him to listen to his favorite books and shows through a small red speaker.
From the moment PJ was born, he was a lover of water. He never missed an opportunity to take a bubble bath, play in the sprinkler or pool, or relax by the ocean. In the last year, he even had the opportunity to introduce aquatic therapy as part of his physical therapy routine. He loved every second…even when he was working really hard!
After his initial diagnosis, PJ’s Batten Specialist Dr. Emily de Los Reyes (Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Ohio) gave us a heartfelt suggestion, to go out and make as many memories as possible. From that moment on we made it our mission to fill his life with love, meaning, and unforgettable memories. And we did just that. PJ experienced a magical Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World, joyful summer vacations at the beach, visits to the zoo, countless movie nights, and even a special trip to Gillette Stadium for an unforgettable experience with the New England Patriots. Most recently, he celebrated receiving his sacraments at Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, surrounded by those who loved him most. These moments are now treasured memories that will forever live in the hearts of his family.
On Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:55 p.m., PJ’s courageous journey came to an end. Surrounded by the love of his family and held in our arms, we whispered to him to get his running legs ready. We take comfort in believing that he ran straight into the arms of Jesus, reunited with his baby brother Rory and his beloved companion, Max.
Though there were many more memories we had hoped to make with PJ, we will continue to make them in his honor. Our beautiful boy is now whole, free, and at peace. We find comfort in knowing we will see him again, radiant and perfect.
In addition to his parents and younger brother Noah, PJ is survived by Maternal Grandparents, Ryan and Monica (Little) Crider of Chambersburg; Paternal Grandfather, Jere Snider of Fayetteville; Paternal Grandmother, Dawn (Kirkwood) Snider of PA; Maternal Great-Grandmother, Brenda Little of Chambersburg; Paternal Great-Grandparents, Thomas and Juta Kirkwood of Chambersburg; Paternal Great-Grandmother, Beverly Snider; Maternal Aunts, Mariah Crider of Chambersburg, Alexa Crider and Lano Madison of Ohio; Paternal Uncle, Matthew Snider of Fayetteville, and Rachel Snider of Philadelphia. He is also survived by many loving great aunts, uncles and cousins.
PJ is preceded in death by his baby brother, Rory Thomas Snider; his trusted companion (pet dog) Max, his maternal great-grandparents, Glenn and Jeannette Crider; maternal great-grandfather, Paul Little; paternal great-grandfather, Jere Snider; maternal great-aunt, Jenny (Little) Krantz; and cousin, Brittany Shoap.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Learning Center, 2397 Loop Rd. Chambersburg, PA 17202. or to the Batten Disease Support and Research Association (BDSRA) https://bdsrafoundation.org/
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M, Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 320 Philadelphia Ave. Chambersburg, PA, celebrated by Fr. Allan Wolfe. Burial will follow in Corpus Christi Cemetery, Chambersburg.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 10th at Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 South Washington St. Greencastle, PA and again in the narthex of the church, beginning at 9:30 A.M., until shortly before the Funeral Mass on Saturday.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com
