Ed Snider, Philadelphia Flyers Founder, Dies at 83

Ed Snider, a co-founder of the Philadelphia Flyers franchise who previously served as an owner to the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, has died. He was 83. 

Snider's children released a statement Monday via the Flyers' official website:

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Our Dad was loved and admired for his big heart, generosity of spirit and dedication to his family. Despite his considerable business achievements and public profile, he was first and foremost a family man. He never missed a birthday, important family event or the opportunity to offer encouragement. We turned first to him for advice in our personal and professional lives. We grew up tagging behind him in arenas, stadiums and locker rooms; and his players, management and team personnel were our extended family. He treated his employees with respect regardless of rank or position, and the man they called “Mr. Snider” always would have preferred simply to be called “Ed.”

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An entrepreneur who made his early mark with a record company, Snider had been a mainstay on the Philadelphia sports scene for decades. He was a minority owner of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1960s and then was instrumental in founding the Flyers in 1966. His empire would later acquire the city's famed Spectrum arena, which was floundering before Snider took over it.

Snider's ownership group went on to spearhead a decades-long run of success, in part by creating the Spectacor holding company for the Flyers and the Spectrum. The Flyers won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, eventually making six more finals with Snider as the primary owner.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement calling Snider the "soul and spirit" of the Flyers organization:

Snider was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. He is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

Comcast purchased a majority stake in Spectacor in 1996, later going on to purchase the 76ers. The cable company allowed Spectacor to keep a minority stake as part of the deal. The 76ers were later sold to a group led by Joshua Harris.

Flyers President Paul Holmgren released a statement via the team's official website:

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Today, the Philadelphia Flyers, the city of Philadelphia and the National Hockey League have lost a true icon. Mr. Snider is the face of the Flyers franchise. He is revered and loved by all of his current and former players and has the utmost respect of the entire hockey world. Mr. Snider’s passion and drive to be the best has made the Flyers brand one of the most recognizable in all of sports. His desire to always have the best team possible for this city and for our fans is a true testament to his passion for the Flyers and his will to win. On this sad day, our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Snider’s wife, Lin; his children—Craig, Jay, Lindy, Tina, Sarena and Sam; as well as all of his grandchildren. Mr. Snider will be truly missed by all of us but his spirit along with the culture he created and instilled will live on with the Flyers organization forever.

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The Flyers will wear a patch on their jerseys during the postseason to commemorate Snider, per Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Flyers winger Jakub Voracek paid tribute to Snider on Twitter after news of his passing broke:

Snider is survived by his six children, his wife, Lin, and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Snider's honor at an unknown date in the future.

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