Michael F. Ver Snyder, who had a long career as a policeman on the South Fork and with Suffolk County, died on Sunday after having a heart attack in his sleep. A resident of Bridgehampton for 20 years, he was 78.
Mr. Ver Snyder spent three years with the Southampton Village Police Department in the 1960s before joining the Suffolk County Highway Patrol. He retired 21 years ago from the county police after a 30-year career with the force.
Born on Feb. 26, 1941, in Troy, N.Y., to Francis Ver Snyder and the former Margaret Marra, he attended Colonie Central High School in Albany, graduating in 1958. He enlisted in the Air Force upon his graduation and served for four years, including a post in Westhampton Beach toward the end of his tenure.
In 1962, Mr. Ver Snyder married Kathleen Trimpin, who survives. The couple’s daughter, Donna Capute Laspesa of Southampton, also survives, as does one grandson.
Mr. Ver Snyder was an active member of the Southampton Elks. He was a Nascar fan and enjoyed spending time in Jupiter, Fla., during the winter months.
Visiting hours were yesterday at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor. A funeral Mass will be said today at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church, also in Sag Harbor, with burial to follow at St. Andrew Cemetery.