Donald H. Snow

Donald H. Snow, 74, Harpursville, NY passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 2, 2022.  He was predeceased by his parents Donald F. Snow and Marguerite Babcock. Also, his stepmom Mae Snow, sister Karen Hall, nephew Jim Snow, beloved cousins David and Leslee Kark, and truly missed friend Jerry Grosvenor. He was survived by his loving siblings Gloria Donichy and Mark Snow (Jean), and brother in law Scott Hall. Survived by his son DJ Snow (Ileta) and his grandchildren Donald (Rayann), Cody (Maryanna), Tucker (Cora), Rachael and their mother Tanis. As well as his four great grandchildren, Donald, Colton, Stella and Jacob. Survived by his daughter Nicole Weist (Russ) and his grandchildren Mitchell, Brockton and Olivia. Many loving nieces, nephews and cousins that spanned from the east coast to the west coast. Along with his loving “Brazilian” family, especially Monica, the family's Brazilian foreign exchange student from 1989 that was like a daughter. 

Don served in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA on a submarine tender. In his younger years, he enjoyed being competitive in the gymkhana horse events with his favorite horse Jack and proud to have won many first place ribbons. Don started Don Snow Trucking in 1978, with a single axle International gas dump truck. With determination and dedication of his wife Sharon at the time, who remained best friends with Don up until his last moments beside him. They built their business up to what it is today that employs many that are family and those that have become family. His son DJ was raised to be a part of the business from the beginning. He insisted DJ begin in the gravel pit and work his way up to now running and managing the entire fleet. He felt that DJ had to truly know the business from the ground up in order to be most effective. This has proven to be true. He stated that his lifestyle the last 15 years was truly due to DJ’s insight and hard work and how much he appreciated it. It gave him time to enjoy the farm while also being the sounding board for the business. Don always had his own way, however, he wanted to ensure that all of the employees were recognized for their dedication including the employees that have been with us for 30 years and those that have just joined our family business. He recognized the importance of each of our employees in the success of our business—from those driving our dumptrucks, log trucks, dumpsters, cattle trailers, roll offs, flatbeds, our equipment haulers, our office personnel, and our shop guys.

A perfect day for Don started with coffee and breakfast at his daughters on the porch, and seeing his grandchildren stop in before they started their day, then going to the office to start and finish business deals. On weekends he could be found riding around with his son DJ to find a project for some wheeling and dealing, attending an auction for a shorter amount of time than it took to drive there, or his love for the hayfield that he handed down to his son and grandsons. He could be found in his John Deere UTV on back roads headed to compete with his brother Mark to see who could be more sarcastic to the other, to show their love of course. He would then swing by his close cousin Jon Kark’s house to talk about solving everyday projects that always entailed thinking outside of the box. 

His life was always about giving to his family. It was important to him that his sister Gloria in San Diego and his sister Karen in Charlotte have NY apples to make homemade pie, and piano stools for that extra special guest. He continued to cut wood until just weeks before he passed, this was a bonding and learning experience for his grandsons and “Randy”. Randy was a trusted friend and employee that was always brought into all of Don’s crazy endeavors. Ideally, the woodpile with a chainsaw in his hand would have been his most comforting place to pass. Due to medical issues that he was always in charge of, instead he was surrounded by his family that was actively involved in his daily care and comfort. He did not lack for company or well wishes from his loving grandchildren. They would stop in to help and to gather as much advice as possible, to navigate life from their grandfather. He was always known as a man of his word and he pressed this upon his children and grandchildren as well. While recently haying in the backyard, DJ was able to come in and ask his advice on how to fix the bailing twine and of course his father was able to fix it with direction and advice. 

Don had a very beloved relationship with his son in law Russ, along with his daughter in law Tanis. It was nothing for Russ to come home to one of Don’s ideas being executed that was not the vision Russ had. Fortunately, their respect and love for each other always got them through those moments. Tanis and Don continued to have a loving relationship that he valued and was proud of. 

Our father took pride in working and pushing himself each day through his health issues. He truly went against all the advice of the medical field and surpassed all their expectations, while also remaining in control of the quality of his life. We are thankful that he was able to enjoy 1 ½ more hay seasons than was expected, an entire family vacation to the Outer Banks, a spur of the moment road trip to San Diego to see his sister Gloria. Jon Kark was the tour guide while Don, Sharon, DJ, Ileta and Pat were happy to join in the ride. He was able to enjoy another  holiday season, and Father’s Day. Along with a new dump truck that was recently added to the fleet. Our regrets are minimal due to the time we spent each morning and each night to soak up his love and to give ours daily. 

Don always had a convertible and thought everyone else should as well. He insisted his granddaughters knew how to drive a standard. He always wanted them to be in charge and able to drive out of any situation. He always encouraged his grandchildren to be in charge because he had more faith in their ability to handle situations than anyone else. He would always say, “be good, be careful and love you” as they would leave to go about their days. He looked forward to Sunday to gather everyone and enjoy dinner. This was the time to discuss business, possible endeavors and what each of the grandkids were up to. Don was known for his “Plan A and Plan B” way of living. His grandsons have stories that involved grandpa moving equipment and all of those “Plan B’s” that shouldn’t have worked and always did. He was never afraid to give his advice and if you didn’t want to follow it he would just keep reminding you that his idea would work best. 

His presence as “Big Papa” will be greatly missed as his great grandchildren gather for their weekly Sunday dinner, and they glance over and see his empty seat. 

He always stressed that at “Don Snow Trucking… all we have to sell is service.” He is a legend and will remain in our hearts and our minds for the end of time. 

We will take the wheel from here.

Funeral Services will be held at The Pavilion at Snow's Hilltop Manor 1909 Route 7 Harpursville on Sat. July 9, 2022 at 1 p.m.  Burial will be in Port Crane Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at The Pavilion at Snow's Hilltop Manor on Sat. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to service.  Memorial contributions in memory of Don may be made to a charity of one's choice.  Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com.   Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville.

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