12/03/2012    

PODIATRY STAFF AND THE LAW

Family of MA Podiatrist Seeks Justice From Accused Embezzler

Don and Cathy Snyder feel betrayed and want justice for his late uncle, Dr. Irving R. Snyder, whose life savings were stolen, allegedly by the doctor's health aide. "We think it's terrible for a lot of reasons," Cathy Snyder said in an interview at Superior Court Friday. "She was a trusted friend of my uncle and she violated that trust terribly. She should have been a family friend and family hero instead of being vilified."

Gloria Balestracci, 66, of Dartmouth, is charged with stealing about $1.2 million from the late Dr. Snyder, a New Bedford podiatrist, between 2004 and 2009. Balestracci worked as Snyder's office manager for 13 years and then, when he retired, she became his home health aide. Snyder was 90 at the time of his death in 2009.

Source: Curt Brown, South Coast Today [12/1/12]