Obituary of James P Snell

James Parker Snell, 71, of Camillus died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 in his home surrounded by family. Jim was a hard worker his entire life. He started peddling papers after school on the South side of Syracuse at a young age. After high school, Jim went to Syracuse University for a year and then decided to join the workforce. He worked for 39 years at the Telephone Company. Jim worked as a lineman in Sodus and continued his career as an Installer in Syracuse spending many years at the Brighton Ave Garage. He was active in the Communication Workers of America Local 1123.  Jim served as the District Vice President of the Union for 30+ years and the Social Director for close to 40 years.  After retirement, Jim continued to work. He delivered cars for 6 years, installed and removed Real Estate signs for a year and delivered flowers for a local flower shop. He loved driving and knew the city of Syracuse better than anyone, especially the best locations to eat.

Jim loved everything about Syracuse. He was a 63-year Syracuse Football season ticket holder and went to games with his grandfather, father, son and grandson.  In the Dome during football season, he sat in section 245 from the 1980 season up until this past season, becoming friendly with numerous fellow fans in the section. Jim was also involved with the Camillus Youth Hockey Association for many years and the West Genesee Hockey Program for the last 24 years. He could be found every Thursday with his “MENSA” friends at the Park West Restaurant or more recently Swallows, catching up on the latest events.

Jim was preceded by his mother, Harriet Mariner (Edward), a beloved Aunt Eleanor Parker, his father, George Snell and his step-sister, Linda Lewis.

Jim is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Bono Snell, his two children, Greg (Sarah) Snell and Meghan Snell, his grandchildren, Devin and Kinley Snell to whom he was a great “Papa”. He is also survived by his sister, Sueann (Joseph) Accardi of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; step-mother, Lydia Snell of Rochester; step-sisters, Laura Kellogg of Rochester and Susan Kurtz of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as many In-laws, nieces and nephews, and very close friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Andrew Weinberg and Associates at North Medical Center. In addition, they would like to thank the wonderful nurses on D5-1 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, specifically Sam, Diane, Mary and Katie.

Calling hours will be Monday, January 7^th from 4-7 pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 8^th at 10:30 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 4947 State Route 31, Clay, NY. Jim will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery in Warners, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association, 2 South Clinton Street, #305, Syracuse, NY 13202 or the West Genesee Wildcat Hockey Team via Friends of Wildcat Hockey c/o Frank Colabufo, 113 Tudor Lane, Camillus, NY 13031 or a charity of your choice.