John Snel

On Thursday, February 2, 2023 at the age of 79, John Snel went to be with His Lord and Savior. 

John was born on Staten Island in 1943 and moved to Afton, NY in 1946 with his parents and sister June (Snel) Anthony. John co-owned a chicken farm with his father.  When the farm was sold he worked at Huff Ice Cream for his dear friend Jack Huff, during which time he drove a milk truck on the weekends. John’s passion for driving tractor-trailers continued with his employment at Frito Lay until his retirement in 2002. John’s passion for the Lord called him to accept the role of full time pastor at Mercy Fellowship in Afton. During the same time, John began working, part-time, for Huff’s because of his love for the Huff family and the people he would see on his route. 

John’s primary passion was for Jesus and telling others of God’s love and goodness to him and his family. John’s favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”  John exemplified this verse and it was his life purpose to share this love with all he met. John’s second passion was his wife Virginia (Hanson) Snel, who John met while driving a school bus for Afton Central School. John would often tell others that his claim to fame was marrying one of the Hanson twins. John and Virginia were married for 53 years and raised 4 children. Joseph and Tekakwitha (Teki) Snel, Therese and Rich Manning, Cathy and Bryan Glotzbach, and Patty and Tad Rowley. John was known as Opa/Papa to his 23 grandchildren and his 6 great grandchildren. John was also survived by his sister June, his sister-in-law Vivian (Hanson) Rinker, his brother and sister-in-law Harold and Eileen Hanson, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

John was predeceased by his parents : Johannes and Anne Snel; two brothers-in-law: Lou Rinker and Irvin Anthony.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at the Nineveh Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall 2997 NY-Rte. 7 on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 am. John’s request was to celebrate his life and to wear bright colors in remembrance of him. No black please. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local fire department or to Mercy Fellowship to assist the family in rebuilding their home that was destroyed by fire. Donations earmarked for the family should state “Snel Family Support”.   Online condolences may be made at:   www.omaddenfh.com.  Arrangements by the Osterhoudt-Madden Funeral Home 69-71 Maple Street Harpursville.  A MADDEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME.

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