Brian Edward Snell, of Colchester, passed away peacefully at his home on July 4, 2024. His beloved family was attentively by his side, throughout his illness.  Brian was born on September 8, 1943, in Hartford, CT, the son of the late Harold and Maxine (Nelkin) Snell.  He grew up in Colchester and graduated from Bacon Academy. Soon after graduating, Brian enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving honorably during the Vietnam War until his discharge in 1967. Brian worked at Pratt & Whitney, where he eventually retired after 41 years. On September 27, 1963, Brian married the love of his life, Donna Messina. The couple settled in Colchester where Brian built their home and they raised their family. He was very active with the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department where he formerly served as Assistant Fire Chief. He was also a member of the Westchester Congregational Church and he served as President of the Westchester Cemetery Committee. 

Brian was extraordinarily talented and enjoyed challenging himself with new projects. He was able to build anything he put his mind to. At the age of 16, he acquired a 1933 Ford and then rebuilt it entirely. He also built a dune buggy and spent countless hours with friends who also loved cars and motorcycles in the CT Street Rods Club, a Corvette club and a Harley Davidson club. After retirement, Brian and Donna traveled across the U.S. in their motorhome. 

Brian will be remembered fondly as a devoted and loving family man who cared deeply for his family.  He will be sadly missed but always remembered with love by his wife of 60 years, Donna; his daughter, Amy and her husband Brian Bisson; a granddaughter, Alexis Bisson and her partner, Eric Szczerkowski; siblings, Mindy and her husband, Peter Facey, Karen Snell, Hillary Rosenberg; his devoted dog Rusty; and many extended family members and friends.  In addition to his parents, Brian was predeceased by a daughter, Renee Snell and a sister, Annore Fish.  

A Funeral Service will be held at the Westchester Congregational Church, 98 Cemetery Rd., Colchester on July 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM.  Burial with military honors will be held prior to the Funeral Service at 10 AM in the Westchester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s memory may be made to the Renee Snell Scholarship Fund at Bacon Academy, 611 Norwich Ave. Colchester 06415 or to the Colchester Hayward Volunteer Fire Department, 52 Old Hartford Rd, Colchester 06415.  

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Brian Edward Snell, please visit our Tree Store.