Kenneth J. Snell

Kenneth J. Snell, age 72, of Barnegat and formerly of Pompton Lakes, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home with loving family by his side, on Sunday, May 5, 2024. 

The fourth of William and Dorothy (Barker) Snell’s five children Ken was born and raised in Paterson where he attended and graduated from Kennedy High School with the Class of 1969. After high school, Ken furthered his studies at Paterson State College (known today as William Paterson University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.

Ken’s first job out of college was working as a comptroller for Mosler Alarm Company in Wayne. In the late 1980’s, he ventured into his own business, Kenneth J. Snell Financial Services with his office based in Pompton Lakes. He loved his work and the clients that he had the privilege of serving and advising. As a local professional in the community, Ken was a Rotarian in Pompton Lakes where he took part in the philanthropic endeavors that his rotary club undertook.  

Ken enjoyed a wonderful marriage with Maria (Conklin) Snell, his beloved wife of 51 years. That actually met when they were just five years old. They grew up together in Paterson and started dating in high school. Friendship grew to love and they ultimately exchanged their wedding promises on Saturday, August 19, 1972 at the United Methodist Church in Haledon. After a honeymoon in Bermuda, they started their life as husband and wife on the second floor of a two-family house which they shared with Ken’s brother William on Belmont Avenue in Haledon. They eventually purchased their own home at 127 Olive Ave. in Pompton Lakes where, with the arrival of Kristina, their baby girl, they ventured into the world of parenting. Eventually, Ken and Maria gave Kristina her little brother Kenneth J. Snell, II. In 1992, the family moved across town to 26 James Terrace in Pompton Lakes. 

Truth be told, probably Ken’s greatest hobby was his work as a financial planner. He never really considered his work to be work and likely would have never retired if health challenges didn’t force him to. A close second was his love for trips to Atlantic City where Borgata and Hard Rock Casino were his favorite places to play the slots. Ken liked to tell people that going to the casino was good because “they give you free stuff.” He was a huge Yankees and Giants fan and loved to listen to music by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Dean Martin, Andre Bocelli, and Michael Bublé fan. 

Above all else, Ken’s greatest love and devotion was to his family. He cherished times spent with his adored grandchildren, Ryan and Ava. Never letting the miles come between them, he leveraged technology by facetiming them regularly. He enjoyed summer days with his family at his and Maria’s summer house in Toms River. Eventually, they moved into that house full-time and remained there until recently moving to the adult living community at Venue at Lighthouse Station in Barnegat.

Ken was the devoted husband of Maria (Conklin) Snell, blessed in marriage for 51 years. He was the loving father of Kristina Gallaway and her husband David of Wayne, and Kenneth J. Snell, II of Pompton Lakes; adoring grandfather of Ryan and Ava Gallaway; dearest brother of: William Snell and wife Arlene of Totowa, the late Dorothy Gonzalez and her late husband Tony, Brent Snell of West Milford, and the late Russell Snell and his wife Luann of West Milford. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ken’s name are asked to consider a donation to the American Cancer Society

To donate online CLICK HERE

To mail a donation CLICK HERE to print out a mail-in form

To donate by phone please call 1-800-227-2345

Please make sure to indicate that your donation is in memory of Kenneth Snell.