Michael Edward Snell

Michael (Mike) was born on October 3, 1968 in Ogdensburg, NY to Gary and Jane Rozon Snell. He grew up in Parishville, NY graduating from Parishville Hopkinton Central School as salutatorian in 1987. Mike also excelled on the soccer fields and basketball courts having many of his most memorable times there. He then went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science from SUNY Potsdam and his Master of Science in Teaching at SUNY Plattsburgh.

Mike met his loving wife, Tammy Pate, and they were married on August 6, 1994. Mike and Tammy created a wonderful family life for themselves and their four sons in the home that Mike and his father built in the Parishville area. This life and his sons, Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison and Lawson, were his greatest pride and joy. His favorite past times were watching their sporting events, going on family vacations, spending hours in the woods (including time at the family camp near the Oswegatchie River) with them sharing his love of hunting and trapping, or just working with them in the woodshop.

Mike started his career as a science teacher at Harrisville Central School and often spoke fondly of his time there. Shortly after, he found his true calling when he followed in his brother, Gary’s footsteps and joined the New York State Police in 1999. He proudly served with the State Police for 23 years. Mike was a true leader who was very well-loved and respected during his tenure with the State Police as he moved through the ranks from Trooper to Sergeant, Station Commander, Zone Sergeant and then retiring as First Sergeant, Troop B, SP Ray Brook.

On May 20, 2025, at the age of 56, Mike passed away, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a courageous battle with an illness stemming from his assignment at the World Trade Center following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001.

Mike is survived by his wife Tammy, sons Wyatt (Taylor), Ashton (Kasey), Harrison (Kaitlyn) and Lawson (Lydia) Snell; sister Celeste (Mark) Norman; brothers Gary (Michelle) and Jeffrey (Christina) Snell; parents Gary and Jane Snell; his father and mother-in-law, Thomas and Sally Pate; his wife’s siblings, Tina (Tom) Becker, James (Amy) Pate, Rebecca (“J”) Johnson, Benjamin (Jackie) Pate, and Joseph Pate; and, numerous other loved family members and friends. “There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.” Love you forever…

Arrangements for Mike are with the Garner Funeral Service. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Parishville Center Orchard, 765 State Highway 72, Potsdam, NY 13672. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at The Stables, 215 Sisson Rd, Potsdam, NY 13676. A committal service will occur Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM at Chapel Hill Cemetery, State Route 72, Parishville, NY 13676 followed by a gathering of remembrance back at the Stables.

Contributions in his memory can be made to the Parishville Sportman’s Club, the Parishville Fire Department, or the Harrisville Central School in c/o Michael E. Snell. The family also requests that you please consider donating blood in Mike’s honor.

Condolences for the Snell family can be shared online at www.garnerfh.com.