Stephen H. Snell
Apple Valley, CA – Stephen Henry Snell passed away on July 6, 2026, at his home in Apple Valley, California, at the age of 77. He previously lived in Chichester, New Hampshire, for 31 years. Steve was born in Littleton on November 13, 1948, to Henry and Ione Snell. He attended Lisbon High School and went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Plymouth State College. During his years at Plymouth he met Judith Theresa Lessard and they were married on April 3, 1971. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of New Hampshire. He served as a United States Army Reservist in the 368th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was trained as a Medic, advanced to Intelligence Sergeant, and earned several Service Ribbons and Achievement Medals. He worked in the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services for 38 years, retiring in 2008.
Steve led a quiet life centered on his family and work. The Snells had many pets over the years including horses, dogs, cats and bunnies. He was a great handyman and there was rarely something around the house he couldn’t repair. His basement tool collection was important to him and moved across the country with him and Judy, where it now resides in his garage. He was present at all of his two daughters’ field hockey games and watched them cheer with their high school cheerleading squad. He spent many summer weekends watching the girls ride in horse shows. He made a great cheese omelette and was a master at folding laundry. During their retirement, Steve and Judy traveled to many states, countries, and visited 39 National Parks. Steve’s favorite was Bryce Canyon in Utah. He loved spending time with his seven grandchildren and a cherished memory for everyone was a big family trip to Disney World. He was an avid golfer and one of his favorite things about living in California was being able to wear shorts in the winter and golf all year long.
Steve leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Judith, his daughters Sarah (Leon) Smith and Rebecca (Matthew) Gurzenski, his grandchildren Rachel, Sophie and Gavin Smith, and Isabelle, Ethan, Charlotte and Hannah Gurzenski. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ione, his brother Ronald, and his twin sisters Sandra and Sabra.
The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date in New Hampshire.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes
