RAYMOND E. SNITZEL, SR. – Obituary
Raymond E. Snitzel, Sr., age 91, of Clayton, New Jersey, died peacefully on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margaret (Peg); four children, Raymond, Jr., [Donna], John [Colleen], Margo Desparrois [John], and Frances Ianacone; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Rosemarie and Bill Dubler; 2 nieces and a nephew and godson Joseph Gonzales [Rita]. Born October 24, 1926 to Raymond and Marie Snitzel, Ray was raised in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. As the first born son and the first grandson, he was affectionately known as ‘Sonny Boy.’ A snazzy dresser and great jitterbugger, Ray graduated from Northeast High School in 1945. A veteran of World War II, Ray served in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Upon honorable discharge, Ray started a lifelong career as a truck driver and was a proud member of the Teamster Local #107. In 1984, he retired from the Halls Motors Company and was recognized and rewarded by his employer for 33 years of safe driving. He lived in his home on Franklinville Lake for many years before moving to the Clayton Mews in 2011. Ray was a devout and practicing Roman Catholic and a parishioner first at St. Catherine’s in Clayton and later, The Nativity in Franklinville (now St. Michael the Archangel). He loved traveling and introduced his children to the National Parks of America, first from a Country Squire station wagon and later, from a travel trailer. He also passed along to them his deep knowledge and great love of Big Band musicians and vocalists. His favorite matinee idols were Errol Flynn, Mickey Rooney and the Hardy Boys. A perfect Sunday afternoon was spent enjoying a beer and watching the Phillies or the Eagles on TV, while listening to his lifelong idol, Frank Sinatra, on the stereo. He was beloved by his children and grandchildren for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Ray will be deeply missed and will live on in our hearts forever. Sympathy cards are welcome, but the family discourages flowers or donations.