Beyond Celiac is deeply saddened by the loss of Ed Snider, the founder of the Philadelphia Flyers, chairman of Comcast-Spectacor and former member of the Beyond Celiac Board of Directors. Snider passed away in the early hours of April 11, 2016.

“Ed changed my life,” said Alice Bast, Beyond Celiac CEO. Snider was the first donor to Beyond Celiac, then known as the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. His generosity fueled the start of Beyond Celiac and put Bast on the path of achieving her mission: helping people with celiac disease receive fast and accurate diagnoses, while increasing access to safe and affordable gluten-free food for those already diagnosed.

In 2013, Bast recognized Snider for his generosity and guidance at the Tenth Anniversary Celebration
of Beyond Celiac, then the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.
(Left to right: Alice Bast, grandson Garrett Snider, Ed Snider and daughter Sarena Snider)

Snider was diagnosed with celiac disease, and both he and his family have been active in the field, often supporting Beyond Celiac through various projects and initiatives. Bast was named the 2010 recipient of the prestigious Philadelphia Award, which was presented by Snider, her mentor. At the Beyond Celiac Tenth Anniversary Celebration in 2013, Snider was honored for his pivotal role in making the founding of the organization possible.

“The monumental loss of Ed Snider simply cannot be put into words. Ed was more than a donor or mentor; he was my friend,” Bast noted. “He didn’t just believe in my dream, he believed in me. And for that, I am forever grateful.”

The Bast family and the Beyond Celiac team offer their deepest condolences to the Snider family. Ed will be remembered fondly for many years to come.