Obituary of Richard J. Sneeringer

Richard J. Sneeringer

Irondequoit: Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at the age of 93 after a brief illness. Pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Lorraine. He is survived by his children, John (Deb) Sneeringer, Elaine (Kevin) Naughton, Sandra (Kurt) Sertl, Mary (Scott) Rava; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Jenn Monna), Maura, and Conor (Elise) Naughton, Maxim (Erin) and Gunnar (Kristina) Sertl, Bryce and Hannah Conklin; great grandchildren, Julien and Sophia Naughton; brother, William (Rosalie) Sneeringer; brother-in-law, Charles "Buck" Otis; sister-in-law, Margaret Kwiatkowski; many nieces and nephews.

Richard greeted everyone with both a warm smile and a handshake or hug. His loving and kind demeanor, and affable way touched all who were fortunate to know him. His faith in God was the center of his life, and together with his wife Lorraine raised a family steeped in that faith. He was one of God’s best disciples.    

He was born in Washington, DC and grew up with eight siblings. Crabbing on the Chesapeake and the ultimate “crab” fest that followed with family and friends fostered his love of all things seafood. He segued from his crabbing technique on the Chesapeake to lake fishing in Canada at the ripe young age of 80 reeling in large and smallmouth bass alike and northern pike for good measure. He loved being with his children and grandchildren on Gananoque Lake and would regal everyone with stories past and present while the catch of the day was passed around for everyone to enjoy.   

It was in Washington, DC that Richard met the love of his life, Lorraine while she was attending nursing school at Georgetown. A separation ensued while Richard served in the Army but letters passed back and forth kept the love alive. Upon his return he soon married Lorraine and relocated to Rochester, NY where he began a career in banking, for almost twenty years at First Federal Savings and Loan and then with Columbia Banking until his retirement. He was active in numerous organizations including Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors of Bishop Kearney High School. Richard spent countless hours volunteering at both Bishop Kearney and Christ the King Church, be it on finance committees, or serving as a lector at Mass, Eucharistic Minister, or on the Altar. Richard never said no when Father came calling for assistance at Church and/or the Parish.

A man who loved an audience, he took great pride in giving the blessing before meals when everyone gathered for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions. He was so proud of his seven grandchildren, and was a constant presence in their lives. He loved attending all their events and kept tabs on what sports they were playing. They gave him such joy as he watched them grow into successful adults. Richard never lost his sense of curiosity and loved learning new things, in particular technology (though he never quite got the feel of his mobile phone). He joined his son on virtual calls every evening, read the Wall Street Journal daily without fail and enjoyed watching the Yankees play (mostly when they were winning) but his passion was a game of Euchre. He was always looking to corral a foursome even in his final days at the hospital asking the nurses if they wanted to get a game going. Richard was ahead of his time with sharing domestic duties. No one in the family could match his ironing expertise and because of that was often tasked with ironing the school uniforms (or at least that was the excuse they gave him). He was a sharp dresser and always wore a crisp oxford shirt with a pocket calendar stuffed with receipts. 

Richard amazed his family with his ability to recall things that he had read. While being admitted to the hospital for his recent illness, he quoted lines from William Shakespear’s Julius Ceasar:

“Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,

It seems to me most strange that men should fear;

Seeing that death, a necessary end,

Will come when it will come.”

Because of his belief in eternal life, Richard knew that one day he would reunite with his great love, Lorraine and he would come to see his Redeemer face to face. He did not fear death. He lived for life.

No prior calling. Richard's Funeral Mass will be held Monday, August 19, 10:00 am at St. Kateri at Christ the King Church. Interment private Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Ann's Foundation, 1500 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621.