Big Philly names mourn the loss of Ed Snider

After news broke that billionaire entrepreneur Ed Snider, founder of the Philadelphia Flyers, had lost his long battle with bladder cancer Monday morning at the age of 83, voices came out of the woodwork to offer condolences.

Here are a few sentiments.

Mayor Jim Kenney

“Ed Snider was a sports visionary. In the face of skeptics, he knew that Philadelphia would embrace the Flyers.In fact, one of the happiest days of my life came in 1974, when I was 16, and the team won its first Stanley Cup.Ed Snider helped build the Spectrum and later built a tremendous arena in the Wells Fargo Center, a venue that not only hosts the Flyers and Sixers, but national events like this summer’s Democratic National Convention.Just as importantly, Ed Snider was a generous man, a philanthropist who cared deeply about this city.He was devoted to the children of Philadelphia, and was determined to bring the sport of hockey to inner city athletes through the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation.The Foundation helps operate five skating rinks throughout the city that are, for many children, a first opportunity to learn to skate and to play hockey. Ed devoted not only funding to the program, but hours of personal attention.Ed Snider was a good friend, a kind-hearted man and a first-class mensch. I will miss him, and I’m sure thousands will miss a man who changed the landscape of the Philadelphia region.Let’s go Flyers! Bring Mr. Snider one more Stanley Cup!”

Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts

“This is a very sad day for Ed’s family, the Flyers, Comcast Spectacor and his many fans in Philadelphia. Our business partnership lasted more than 20 years, which seemed improbable at the time, and ultimately transcended into a cherished and special friendship. We are so sad but relish the many accomplishments Ed achieved during his amazing lifetime. He was completely unique, incredibly passionate and will be terribly missed.”

Congressman Chaka Fattah

“Ed Snider loved sports, he loved hockey and he loved Philadelphia. He saw potential not only in the Flyers but in the future of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens, it’s youth. He gave thousands of kids in and around our city an opportunity to learn all about a sport they might otherwise have no interest in when he built ice rinks, supplied equipment and provided coaching on the game of hockey. Ed understood the power that sports can have on a community. May we remember him not for just his entrepreneurial spirit but for his ability to bring people together for a common cause.”

City Council President Darrell Clarke

“Ed Snider is responsible for one of the greatest chapters in Philadelphia sports history, and for that he will never be forgotten. But just as memorable is the example he set as a responsible and caring business owner who treated his employees and players, and their families, with decency and respect. Ed’s generosity toward the City of Philadelphia, which can be seen in the wonderful work of the Ed Snider Youth Foundation and elsewhere, will pay dividends for generations. This is a huge loss for our city and for those who knew and loved Ed. To them I extend my heartfelt condolences.“