William Lee Snider

William Lee Snider, known to family and friends as Bill, was born in Iowa on July 20, 1931, the son of Frank and Letha. He grew up with older brother, Frank Jr, and older sister, Melanie, both of whom have since passed away.

Bill was an extraordinary man whose greatest gift was his genuine love of people. Warm, approachable, and endlessly curious, he had a remarkable ability to put others at ease. It was often said that Bill could step into an elevator full of strangers and, by the time everyone reached their chosen floors, have them smiling and chatting as though they were old friends. It was simply Bill’s way. Throughout his life, he cultivated friendships that endured for decades and spanned the globe. A passionate traveler, Bill

visited more than 200 countries throughout his lifetime. Every journey was an opportunity to learn about new cultures, meet new people, and add another chapter to the remarkable story of his life.

Bill proudly served his country during the Korean War. He shipped out from Fort Mason in San Francisco, a city that captured his heart from the moment he arrived. Although military service took him elsewhere, San Francisco never left him, and it would eventually become the city he chose to call home. When his military service ended, Bill made a life-changing decision. Rather than return to his native Iowa, he enrolled at the U.S. University in Mexico City, where he studied International Trade. His time in Mexico broadened his perspective and deepened his lifelong appreciation for the wider world. After completing his studies, Bill returned to San Francisco, where he settled and built the life that would become the center of his many adventures and enduring friendships.

In the 1970s, Bill combined his adventurous spirit with an entrepreneurial vision and founded Great City Traders, a company specializing in the design, manufacture, and import of decorative home accessories. What began as an idea grew into a thriving

business, built not only on Bill’s keen eye for beautiful things but also on his integrity, determination, and his gift for bringing people together.

When President Richard Nixon’s opening of relations with China led to the lifting of the long-standing trade embargo, Bill was among the first American businessmen to seize the opportunity. He loved telling the story of his very first trip. Arriving at the border with nothing more than a suitcase in hand, he was escorted across a bridge and met by members of the Chinese Red Guard, who took charge of his luggage and drove him directly to his first business meeting. It was the beginning of a remarkable chapter in his career and reflected the adventurous spirit that defined him throughout his life. Bill embraced new places, new people, and new opportunities with curiosity, confidence, and an infectious enthusiasm that never left him.

Bill’s pioneering spirit extended beyond China. Through Great City Traders, he helped establish one of the first U.S.-based companies to manufacture products in Vietnam for export to the United States. Vietnam became a place that held a special place in Bill’s heart. He developed a deep affection for its people, admired their resilience, and returned often over the years, forming lasting friendships along the way. Bill took quiet pride in these accomplishments, as well as the many other groundbreaking achievements that marked his long and distinguished career.

Bill never believed success was something achieved alone. At his side was his good friend and longtime companion, William “Pete” Petosa, whose partnership was one of the great constants in Bill’s life. Together, along with Bill’s dear friend and surrogate son, Joe Famulari, they poured their energy and hearts into building Great City Traders. They were joined by many loyal employees, friends, and colleagues—far too many to name individually—each of whom became part of the extended family that surrounded Bill.

The business took them around the world. Bill,, Pete and Joe traveled extensively throughout Asia and Europe, seeking out artisans, discovering unique treasures, and building relationships that endured for decades. To Bill, every journey was as much about the people he met as the products he found.

Behind every successful venture is a team of trusted friends, and Bill was fortunate to have many. He deeply valued the guidance and steadfast support of his financial advisor, Deb Wetherby, and his accountant, Scott Price, whose friendship and professionalism helped Great City Traders flourish.

By the mid-1990s, as Pete’s health declined, Bill chose to retire so he could devote more of his time to the person who had shared so much of his life’s journey. When Pete passed away in 1994, Bill was heartbroken. The loss was profound. He had lost not only a business partner but also his closest companion and one of the great loves of his life. Though life moved forward, those who knew Bill understood that Pete always remained close in his heart.

In the late 1990s, life brought Bill an unexpected and wonderful gift. He rekindled a friendship with an Australian named Brian, someone he had first met and deeply cared for in the early 1980s. What began as a renewed friendship quickly blossomed into a love that would enrich the rest of their lives. In 1998, they made a commitment to one another, beginning a partnership built on love, laughter, unwavering devotion, and countless shared adventures. Then, in 2013, when marriage equality became federally recognized in the United States, Bill and Brian proudly married, affirming in law what had long been true in their hearts.

Together, they shared twenty-eight remarkably happy years. They loved to travel, whether it meant crossing oceans to discover another corner of the world or simply driving out to Lands End to enjoy a sandwich while watching the waves roll in. Bill had spent a lifetime exploring the world, but he had found that the greatest joy was simply sharing it with the person he loved.

The small rituals of everyday life became some of their happiest moments. Every evening before dinner, they would sit down together for a game of canasta, accompanied by a cocktail or two. Those quiet hours—filled with friendly competition, conversation, laughter, and companionship—became the rhythm of their home and a reminder that the richest moments in life are often the simplest.

Anyone who spent time with Bill and Brian could see the affection they shared. Their home was filled with warmth, hospitality, and humor. They welcomed friends as family, celebrated life’s joys together, and stood by one another through its sorrows. They built

not only a home but a life grounded in loyalty, kindness, and enduring love.

Bill passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, in the home he loved, with Brian by his side, just as he had wished.

He is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, his loving nephews, Peter and Chris Wilson; Pete Petosa’s wonderful nieces, Sal and Susan; and the many dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him, including Joe, Kathy and Martha, Bill and Kevin, Paulo, Deb, Scott, Ilan, Grant and Michael, Patrick and Peter, Michael and Nigel, Amy and Mandy, along with far too many others to name. And, of course, he will be missed beyond measure by Brian, his loving husband and devoted companion.

Bill leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the places he traveled, the business he built, or the life he created, but in the countless people he welcomed, befriended, encouraged, and loved. He made the world warmer simply by being in it.

For those of us who loved him, the loss is profound but so is the gratitude: gratitude for his laughter, generosity, curiosity, friendship, and the many years we were fortunate enough to share with him. Bill lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring comfort, smiles, and stories for many years to come. He will be sorely missed and forever loved.

— In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family asks that you consider making a donation in his memory to Larkin Street Youth Services, Bill’s favorite charity. For many years, Bill quietly supported the organization’s mission to help young people experiencing homelessness in San Francisco build brighter futures.

If you choose to make a donation, please consider noting that your gift is in honor of Bill Snider.

Donations may be made through Larkin Street Youth Services’ donation page.