John G. Snell
OBITUARY
John G. Snell, of Throop, died peacefully on Friday with his family by his side. He was preceded in death in 2022 by his wife of 62 years, the former Agnes Burak. Born in Olyphant, son of the late Michael and Mary Karpa Snell, he attended Scranton Schools and was a member of St. Paul ‘s Catholic Church in Scranton, and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.
John had many talents and was a tradesman his entire life. He was a member of IUPAT, International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades and loved working on projects. In addition to his love of gardening, he also served the borough of Throop as an elected official. Affectionately known to his family as Johnny G., he was born with a stubborn streak and a storyteller’s charm. Johnny G. lived his life the way he spoke: directly, unapologetically, and with a twinkle that dared you not to laugh. He was the uncle who could turn a simple afternoon into a memory, a chore into an adventure, and a conversation into a performance. Anyone who spent time with him can still hear his greatest hits: I got the floor and when he did, you listened, because he always had something worth hearing; Come up for air, usually delivered when someone else talked too long, which he found deeply offensive; Smile if you are lying, a test no one ever passed; What’d I say?, his way of ending an argument he had already won; We got a code blue!, the family’s cue to drop everything and help him with a project right now; Can you give me an hour?, the gentler version of still a project, just not a crisis; If I don’t see you-so what, his signature goodbye, delivered with a smirk and more affection than the words suggested; Can you keep a secret? So can I, a punchline that never got old; and Don’t pamper me, even when everyone knew he deserved a little pampering.
Uncle John was a man who fixed things- cars, concrete-block walls, ornamental gates, broken gadgets, and occasionally people. He believed in hard work, straight talk, and showing up when it mattered. He loved his family fiercely, though he’d never admit it directly, he preferred to show it through projects, advice, and the occasional barked order. At 92, he earned his rest, though he’d probably argue that point. And somewhere, in the great beyond, hes already announcing: I got the floor. May his memory be a blessing, a smile, and a reminder to live life with honesty, humor, and just a little bit of Johnny G. attitude.
He is survived by three sisters, Theresa Niester of Michigan, Mary Brizinski and Carol Wassel (William) both of Throop; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Agnes, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Michael, Joseph, and Edward; and a sister Veronica.
There are no public calling hours. The funeral will be private and at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the John J. Turko & Sons Funeral Home, Dickson City.
John G. Snell
December 26, 2025