Stephen Charles Snitzer, Jr.

Beloved husband, father and Pop-pop

Stephen, also known as Steve, or Sonny to his family, was born on August 2, 1934, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was the youngest of three children and the only son to Katherine and Stephen Snitzer.

Steve accompanied his father to work in the steelmills at a young age where he learned hard work. He loved football and he would often be found with a group of friends playing ball. After graduating from Ursuline High, Steve joined the United States Marine Corps. He was deployed to the Incheon Peninsula with the 1st Marines during the Korean War. 

After being honorably discharged, he returned to Ohio briefly, then made his way to South Florida. There he would meet the love of his life, Joan Theresa Galante, during an evening out with friends at a bowling alley. Steve would take Joan out on his boat in Biscayne Bay, serenading her with “Hey Good Lookin” by Hank Williams. They would soon marry and Steve sold that boat to make a down payment on their home. They welcomed a baby girl, Susan Joan, in 1964, and their second, Eileen Marie, in 1966.

Steve worked hard to provide for his young family, often working two jobs. Even with his exhaustive schedule, he would make time to attend his daughters’ activities. Steve coached Eileen‘s softball team and brought his friends to the park to cheer them on. Family vacations were rare, but they were always centered around his children. Summer road trips to Disney World in the Rambler station wagon were always great fun.

In time, he would be blessed with two beautiful granddaughters by his daughter Susan, Crystal and Tiffany. Steve loved to take the girls to the park when they were young, and they loved spending time with their Pop-pop.  Joan sadly passed away in 1990. Steve would navigate his remaining years with the love and support of his daughters, granddaughters and adored, great grandsons, Jude and Felix.

Being from the John Wayne school of how-to-be-a-man, he taught Jude how to shake hands rather than hug. Felix, still a baby, was allowed to give hugs and Steve would light up in these tender moments.

He leaves a legacy of strength, perseverance, good humor, and love.