David Snell, 88, Member of the Marine Raiders Battalion
David B. Snell, 88, of Lorain, died Wednesday January 15, 2014 at Denise’s Adult Home Care in Lorain while under the care of New Life Hospice and surrounded by his family.
David was born in Lorain on August 2, 1925 and had been a lifelong Lorain area resident. He graduated from Lorain High School in the class of 1943-B.
David was a member of the elite and legendary Marine Raiders Battalion that was part of Fox Company Second Battalion Twenty Seventh Marine Regiment Fifth Marine Division as they landed in the first wave to hit Red Beach One on February 19, 1945 at the Battle of Iwo Jima.
He was employed as an electrician with IBEW Local 129 for 42 years retiring in 1987.
David was a member of the former St. John Catholic Church in Lorain and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and golf.
He is survived by his children David P (Brenda) Snell of Wakeman, Diane (Eli) Vitovitz of Elyria, Jane (Tom) Rich of South Amherst, Pamela Wilhelm and her companion Gus Olexen of Elyria and Gwyneth (Mitchell) Shepherd of Lorain, 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Agnes Snell (nee Gencur), daughter Barbara Ann Snell, parents Benjamin and Pamela Snell (nee Roomes) and siblings Margaret Carver, William Snell and Catherine Mayhew.
The family will receive friends Friday 5-8 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 9:15 am in the funeral chapel followed by the mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Dr, Amherst. The Rev Lawrence Martello, pastor, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will conduct military honors.
Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net