Mikhail Snisarenko

Place of Birth: Odessa, Ukraine

Mikhail “Mike” Snisarenko, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and friend, was born on July 9, 1958, in Odessa, Ukraine, to Riva Ferdman and Boris Snisarenko.

After proudly serving in the Russian Army, he earned a degree in automotive studies from the Odessa Technical Institute. His passion for cars and rally racing took him throughout Europe and Russia, where he served as a crew chief for racing teams in Odessa and Germany. He later continued his involvement in racing in the United States, traveling throughout the Northeast and as far north as Canada.

In December 1990, Mike immigrated to New York City with his wife, daughter, and in-laws, eventually settling in Brooklyn. A skilled mechanic and master craftsman, Mike took great pride in his work. He always believed in using the right tool for the job and never met a project he couldn’t figure out or a problem he couldn’t solve. He worked for Hostess Brands/Wonder Bread before joining the MTA in 2017 as a car inspector. He took pride in his work and deeply valued the friendships he formed with his colleagues.

Having recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary, Mike was a devoted husband to Gretta, who affectionately called him Mishana. He was a gentle, dedicated, and steady presence in her life. Together, they overcame many challenges and joys, from immigrating to America to raising their daughter, and through it all, they remained committed to each other and their family.

Mike loved hockey, music, fast cars, clever jokes, and good food shared with friends and family. A hockey player in his youth, he introduced his daughter to the sport in 1994, the year the New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life while bringing great passion to the things that mattered to him.

His roots in Odessa remained an important part of who he was. He spoke of his birthplace with affection and pride, and the war in Ukraine deeply affected him. He held onto the hope of seeing peace return to the place he would always call home.

Mike shared a special bond with his mother, Riva, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. As a young boy, he traveled throughout Russia with her on her work trips, and he remained a devoted, loving son throughout his life, calling her daily, visiting often, and always making sure she was cared for. She was his biggest fan, and he watched over her with unwavering love. Heartbroken by his loss, she says, “He was always with me, and he will always be with me.”

Above all, Mike cherished his family and treasured his time with his granddaughter, Norah. He especially loved making her laugh and sharing with her the foods and traditions he held dear. He was looking forward to retirement and dreamed of traveling, fishing, watching hockey, and spending more time with his loved ones.

He is survived by his mother, Riva; his wife, Gretta; his daughter, Valery; his granddaughter, Norah; his son-in-law, Eric; his father-in-law, Naum; his cousin, Dima; his nephew, Nikita; and his many friends around the world.

Mike will be remembered for his honesty, generous heart, infectious laughter, and authentic spirit. He was one of the good ones and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pop, I hope the Rangers make it to the Cup this year. I’ll go get seats for the both of us.

Visitation will be held at Nevsky Yablokoff Memorial Chapels, 1700 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230, US, on October 28, 2026, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Nevsky Yablokoff Memorial Chapels, 1700 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230, US, on October 29, 2026, friends and family visiting time from 10:15 am to 11:15 am. Rabbi will start service at 11:15 Am.

A Committal Service will be held at Montefiore Cemetery, 121-83 Springfield Blvd, New York, NY 11413, US, on October 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.