Jacob Brandt Snyder

Jacob Brandt Snyder, 32, of New York, NY passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at the end of a hike in Sedona, AZ.

Jake, the son of Dan and Mary Snyder, was born on May 15, 1994, in Des Moines, IA. He was baptized and later confirmed in the Christian faith at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. From an early age, Jake had a deep love for music. He learned to play both the piano and French horn and loved participating in band, choir, and theater throughout high school and college. Music and theater remained meaningful parts of his life, as he loved attending Broadway shows and singing in his beloved choir, Cantori New York.

Jake graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 2012 and went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa in 2016 with degrees in Actuarial Science and Finance. He began his career as an actuary at Principal Financial in Des Moines, where he purchased his first home and adopted his beloved cats, Titus and Kimmy. Jake became an active member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, built a close circle of friends, and frequently traveled to New York. Drawn to the city's rich culture and vibrant energy, he decided to relocate there in 2019 and joined Equitable, where he continued to advance his career. He was described as being brilliant, with an exceptional spirit and character.

Jake lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed hiking and traveling the world, always seeking opportunities to explore new places and try new foods along the way. He made friends wherever he went. Jake loved to share Broadway legend André De Shields's Tony Award acceptance speech with people. In it, André said, "Surround yourself with people whose eyes light up when they see you coming." This was his desire for his friendships. He will be deeply missed by his family and numerous friends across the country.

Jake is survived by his parents, Dan and Mary Snyder of Blue Springs, MO; his sister, Lauren (Kevin) Vogt of Lee's Summit, MO; his nephew and niece, Owen and Emma Vogt; his grandmother, Ann Snyder; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Reinhart and Irene Brandt, and grandfather, Howard Snyder Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (8301 NW Aurora Ave., Urbandale, IA). The family will greet friends beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will take place on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Longview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 12700 SE Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64149.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to his beloved choir, Cantori New York. Checks can be mailed to Cantori New York, P.O. Box 1376, New York, NY 10185 or visit https://www.cantorinewyork.com/donate for more information. Please write "Jake Snyder" in the memo line of the chosen method of donation.