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Colonel Harry Philip Snoreck

May 5, 1934 - September 28, 2022

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ALFRED – Colonel Harry Philip Snoreck, 88, passed away at 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday (September 28, 2022) with his wife and dog by his side.

Col. Snoreck was born in Chicago, Ill. on May 5, 1934 to John and Blanche (Ryan) Snoreck. He was a 1952 graduate of Lindblom High School in Chicago. Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force on August 17, 1952 where he served as an airman. On April 22, 1955, he re-enlisted as an officer and served his country as a pilot and commander for the next 27 years. He retired from military service in 1982 as Col. Harry Snoreck.

Harry received his EdD in Education Administration at West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va. During this time, he met his future wife, Marie T. Gilberti and they were married on June 5, 1985 at West Point. Together they moved to Stony Brook, Long Island, where he continued his career in higher education at SUNY at Stony Brook and subsequently became the Vice President for Administration at Alfred State College in Alfred. Harry retired in 2002.

Along with his loving wife of 37 years, Harry is survived by his children, Thomas Snoreck of Phoenix, Ariz., Karla Quinlan of Poughkeepsie, Stephen Snoreck of Andover, and Benjamin Snoreck of Buffalo; his sister, Pat Culp of Syracuse, Ind., a granddaughter, Emily; nieces, Patty Marlow, Dawn Bramwell, and Barbara Ann Pliska; and nephews, Bill Gerrity and James Campf-Eden.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Billy Snoreck, Chuck Snoreck, and Johnny Snoreck; and two sisters, Peg Pliska and Rosemary Gerrity.

Col. Snoreck achieved a long and decorated career in the Air Force. He served in both Korea and Vietnam. His decorations included the Legion of Merit (the sixth highest honor in the Air Force), the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the Air Force Commendation Medal; the National Defense Service Medal with one Device; the Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Force Presidential Unit Citation.

Harry was a member of the Rotary Club in both Morgantown, W.Va., and Stony Brook. He was also a member of the Alfred Lions Club.

Harry had a full measure of kindness and gentleness. He was quick to help others. He enjoyed mentoring aspiring administrators and managers. Throughout his life, he did what he could to encourage others to achieve.

Harry enjoyed travel, music, dancing, football, nature and animals. He delighted in bringing pleasure into his wife’s life especially by encouraging her love of horses. Harry was especially gifted with children, no doubt due to his gentle disposition.

There will be no prior visitation. The funeral service for Col. Snoreck will be held on Friday (October 7) at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude’s Chapel at Alfred State College. Burial will follow at Bath National Cemetery with full military honors. A dish to pass celebration will be held at his home that evening at 6:00 p.m. for friends and family.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover.

Memorial contributions in Harry’s name may be made to Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

Funeral Service:
Friday, October 7, 2022
11:00 a.m.
St. Jude Chapel, Alfred State College, Alfred

Burial:
Bath National Cemetery, Bath

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9 Messages

  1. A salute to Colonel Snoreck for his service to his country and his family, a kind and gentle man with a decorated and distinguished career as well. He will be missed by many.

    Rest In Peace.

    Reply
  2. Harry was a wonderful friend and mentor when we worked together at Alfred State. His insightful and articulate approach to his professional roles served as a model for many of us to emulated. My thoughts are with Marie and his family.

    Reply
  3. Your IMessage It is never very good news when you lose a good, honest man who had a great sense of humor.
    I really got a kick out of military jousting when ever we met. He was the best at
    telling an interesting story.
    He will be missed by anyone who met him.

    Reply
  4. Marie and sons,
    We are so very sorry for your loss of Harry. He was always kind and subtly funny, a real genuine good guy. We enjoyed every interaction with him at MaryAnn and Gus’ home.
    He leaves some huge shoes to fill.

    Reply
  5. Marie and the boys,
    As the middle son of Uncle Harry’s brother Chuck, my brothers Chuck, Steve and I send condolences.
    Although most of our interactions were few and far between after my dad passed, (mostly funerals) you will always be remembered as the tall lean guy that showed up when we were kids with the best stories. I will always remember Uncle Harry as he was my godfather.

    Reply
  6. I was welcomed with open arms to Harry’s home and was greeted by his lovely wife for dinner on multiple occasions. I will always remember the amazing stories about your service for our country and your constant mission to help those around you. You remained strong and intelligent till the very end. I will always have Fond & Happy memories of you my good friend.

    Peace & Love

    Reply
  7. Your message
    Karla, so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Sorry you will not be able to attend the funeral.

    Rest in Peace Colonel

    Reply
  8. Marie, Stephen and Benjamin: You are in my thoughts and prayers. On Thursday, at St. Luke Mission of Mercy, I will offer Mass with Harry and your intention. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. God’s comfort, strength and peace. Eternal life for Harry. Fr. Gene Ulrich

    Reply
  9. Will miss you Hank

    Reply

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