Dudley E. Snell

Dudley E. Snell, age 86, born August 11, 1938, passed away January 11, 2025. 

Son of the late Dudley J. and Catherine J. Snell (Kinkopf), husband of 63 years to the late Rose Mary Snell (Trubicza), father of Jeffrey J. Snell (Dr. Jennifer A. Kale), grandfather of Logan S. Snell, dear brother of Kathleen Oltmanns (Robert), the late Eileen Florence (John), the late Thomas Snell, and Colleen Valek (Joseph), and dear brother-in-law and uncle to many. 

After 86 years, Dudley left to rejoin his beloved wife Rose Mary and continue his hard work on many new projects. Dudley was a sixty-five year member and former President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, where he served his membership with respect and passion. Attuned to the careful balance between labor and management, Dudley was trusted by both sides to fix any problem and negotiate any contract to a successful conclusion. Dudley had high expectations of his membership, but he would never ask you to complete a job he would not do himself, no matter how hard the task. 

Always building and rebuilding, Dudley was never one to sit still. His ability to fix anything made him a friend to many, and, as an avid collector, he likely already had the necessary parts and materials “in-stock” for your repair. Yet, small projects were never enough for him. In 1976, Dudley, Rose Mary, and son Jeff undertook a multi-year project to build their own home, clearing the land and digging the foundation themselves. Twenty-five years later, when Rose Mary suggested they attach a small sunroom to the house, Dudley agreed—and for good measure, decided they ought to expand the plan by a couple thousand square feet in the process. 

In recent years, dementia changed much about Dudley, but he never stopped working—even if the work was now only in his mind. Before departing, he continued to discuss the many new projects he was planning for the future. A private family service was held at Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery. Donations in his memory may be made to the Sagamore Hills Township Park, 11551 Valley View Road, Sagamore Hills, OH 44067. 

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