William Sneddon

OAKDALE - SKC William James Sneddon Sr. USN Ret., known to many as Pappy, or Bill, 88, of 30 Cherry Lane died at home, November 5, 2011, with family by his side. His wife, Vivian L. (Lehmann-Aasen) Sneddon survives him. They were married September 26, 1998 at the Valley Lutheran Church in Los Lunas, New Mexico. Grace E. (Boland) Sneddon predeceased him October 1995 after 48 years of marriage.

Bill lived with his grandson, Anson Moody III, who helped to take care of him for many years when his health wasn’t well.

Bill was born July 12, 1923, in Glen Richey, PA, son of the late Orin and Pearl (Demi) Sneddon of PA. He graduated from Clearfield Senior High, Clearfield, PA, May 29, 1941. Bill knew in high school that he would pursue a career in the US NAVY and joined in October 1942. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer after serving 21 years in July 1963 at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base in Groton, CT. He made a world cruise in 1947-48 taking his first airplane ride from the U.S.S. Valley Forge, an aircraft carrier. Bill earned numerous medals and served on 6 different surface ships.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy Bill went to work at Electric Boat in Groton, December 1964 as a Warehouseman and retired after 21 years, December 1985.

Bill was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Gales Ferry, CT.

Bill was a member of the Fleet Reserve of Groton, Post 20, the Polish American Club of Montville and a life member of the Montville VFW Post 10060.

He had been an avid bowler, bowling in the Seniors League and several other leagues at the Norwich Ten Pin for many years and a fan of the Pittsburg Steelers and Boston Red Sox. Many remember his love for his family, his joy of dancing, his outgoing personality and a smile that will never be forgotten.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Andy Moody of Oakdale, a daughter, Joyce Womble of Uncasville, a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Maribeth Sneddon of Warwick, RI,. A sister and brother-in-law, Helen and James Hutchison, of PA.

Bill’s son, William J. Sneddon Jr., predeceased him in 2000. He was also predeceased by a brother, Roy, 2 sisters, Edith and Mabel all of PA and a grandson, Paul.

He has 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren who were all very special to him and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the Hospice nurses, aides and volunteers for the kindness they showed not only to Bill but to our family through this difficult time. Calling hours will be at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Rte. 12 in Gales Ferry on Saturday November 12th from 9:00 until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Maplewood Cemetery with full military honors. Donations may be made in Bill’s honor to Hospice Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.

Please visit www.montvillefuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence for the Sneddon family.