Gilbert G. "Gil" Snyder

Gilbert G. “Gil” "Duke" Snyder, 72, passed away in his home in Trafford, Pa., Thursday, October 2, 2025. He was a lifelong musician, artist and showman and was a founding member of legendary Pittsburgh bands, The Iron City Houserockers and The Mystic Knights. He was born January 9th 1953 in Trafford, to WWII veteran father Gilbert E. Snyder and mother Isabelle (Martino) Snyder. He is survived by his son Nicolas Snyder, his daughter Tara Saunders, grandchildren Daisy and Gage Saunders, and his former wife Heather E. Snyder. He grew up playing organ in the local Catholic Church which later evolved into a profession as a rock and roll and blues keyboardist. He was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in film and in the mid 1970’s, he was nominated for a Student Academy Award for “Best Animated Film” for the experimental short “Ooze”. In the late 1970’s his band, then Brick Alley, which later became The Iron City Houserockers was signed to a recording contract with MCA records. They released several classic albums and performed and recorded with the likes of “Little” Steven Van Zandt, Steve Cropper of Stax Records fame and Mick Ronson, producer of Ziggy Stardust, who went on to produce The Houserocker’s 1980 album Have a Good Time but Get Out Alive which contained the Gilbert Snyder penned classic “Old Man Bar”, an autobiographical song about his Dad and his own struggles with alcoholism. He later went on to form the Mystic Knights with Chizmo Charles and a rotating cast of many of Pittsburgh’s most skilled blues musicians. He was an incredibly talented person who lived his life on his own terms. He loved early Chicago Blues, cooking large Italian feasts, eating chicken wings, lounging in a pool on a hot summer day and watching old monster movies. He’ll be remembered for his booming laugh, his warm demeanor and his endless creativity. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 11, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St., Irwin. Saturday October 11th at Snyder’s Funeral Home in Irwin, PA from 1-4 pm. Friends and loved ones are welcome to share memories around 2:30 pm. Instead of flowers, in Gil’s name, support your local musical artists. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Gilbert G. "Gil" Snyder

January 9, 1953 - October 5, 2025