Dennis Albert Snell

Dennis Albert Snell, 83, “snowbird” resided at Clearwater, FL and Sycamore, OH, passed away on September 12, 2024 in Marion, OH. Dennis was born January 3, 1941 in Wilkinsburg, PA and was the son of the late Alfred Henry Snell and Bertha Grace Snell (Kessler). 

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Lou Snell (Neely); sister, Nancy P Driskell of Interlachen, FL; sister-in-law, Jo Lynn Lander and nephew, Dean Lander both of St. Petersburg, FL. 

The Snells moved to Gulfport, FL when Dennis was 3 years old. He grew up with a deeply instilled love for sailing, quality work, family, and community. He built his own wooden sailboat as a teenager and successfully raced it for many decades. In fact his nephew still has Hobby Horse hanging in the garage with plans to return to racing. Dennis was an automobile mechanic when he met Betty Lou at a regatta. After marrying he joined her family’s business Blocker Transfer and Storage of St. Petersburg, FL. Dennis accomplished many amazing things, but one of his most favorites was moving the entire Salvador Dali collection in 2 trucks from Ohio to Florida. 

Dennis alway introduced himself as “Dennis the Menace.” But Betty Lou often proclaimed him as the “Eternal Optimist.” He was a wonderful combination of both and so much more which touched many others. He will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by: brother-in-law, Larry Lander of St Petersburg, FL; cousin, (who was raised as his sister) Jackie Brown of St Petersburg, FL; daughter, Sandra Snell of Sycamore, OH; son, Donald Snell of Pinellas Park, FL; niece, Laura Swanson of Wallhala, SC; nephew, Mark (Emmie) Swanson of Valdez, AK; grandchild, Coral Snell of Tiffin, OH. 

A service will be held at 11 AM on October 19, 2024 at First United Methodist Church, 2728 53rd St S, Gulfport, FL 33707. Fellowship to follow. 

A Gathering Honoring Dennis and Betty Lou Snell’s Union will take place on November 11, 2024 at Sycamore Animal Hospital, 1277 State Hwy 67 N, Sycamore, OH 44882. Drum Circle starts at 2 PM with pot luck to follow. Alternative foul weather location is Sycamore Grill Tex Mex.