Raymond John Snarski, 87, lifelong resident of Salem, passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Born on the family farm in Salem on Dec.
27, 1930, he was the son of the late Kaiten “Kenneth” and Anna (Federowicz) Snarski. Ray was a 1948 graduate of Norwich Free Academy and graduated Windham Tech in 1951. He opened Snarski’s Auto Body in 1962.
His greatest love in later years was owning and operating Snarski’s Liquors. Before its destruction by fire in 2013, considered by many as the “8th Wonder of the World”, it was there that Ray shared with countless friends and patrons; stories, local history, his Polish heritage, and many, many wonderful laughs. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in the woods.
Over the years, Mr. Snarski donated his time to the town of Salem, most notably caring for, cataloging, and resurrecting the many cemeteries that dotted the countryside, for which he was awarded Salem’s “Unsung Hero” Award. Ray was a Charter Member of the Gardner Lake Vol. Fire Co. and had donated land for their expansion and Life Star helipad.
For years, Ray enjoyed taking his early morning ride to Salem Prime Cuts to sit with his friends for a coffee and cookie. He was a longtime member and benefactor of the Colchester Farmers’ Club as well as a member of St. Joseph’s Polish Society in Colchester. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of many – but many fond memories of him will be cherished forever by those who were fortunate enough to be his friend.
He leaves four children, Sue and husband, John Coffee, Linda Snarski, Rich and wife, Laurie Snarski and John and wife, Victoria Snarski; seven grandchildren, Calli Coffee, Anna, Jake, Joshua and Josephine Snarski and Bryce and Kyle Snarski-Pierce; and his former spouse, Nancy (Lewis) Snarski. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three siblings, Helen Zaleski, Victoria Mrowka, and Edward Snarski. Calling hours and viewing with the family will be from 12 to 3 PM Saturday (Dec.
22nd) at the Gardner Lake Firehouse, 429 Old Colchester Road (Rte 354) Salem, followed by a 3 PM Graveside Burial Service at Paugwonk Baptist Cemetery, a short walk from the Gardner Lake Firehouse. A Celebration of Life and reception will immediately follow the burial at the Gardner Lake Firehouse. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Gardner Lake Vol.
Fire Company. Care of arrangements has been entrusted to the Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester. Donations may be made to: Gardner Lake Vol.
Fire Co. 429 Old Colchester Road, Salem CT 06420 Web: www.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
