Gary James Snook

June 25, 1949 – January 8, 2026

Gary J. Snook, 76, of Highlands, New Jersey passed away on Thursday, January 8, surrounded by the love of his family at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Gary was born in Rochester, NY to parents Loowenna and James Snook, on Tuesday, June 25, 1949. He attended Rush-Henrietta Senior High School, graduating in 1968. He had a love for sports from an early ageparticipating in Wrestling, Football, and Soccer. He attended college at Louisville University and often spoke of his adventures including hitch-hiking home. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and was a proud veteran ever since. Gary went on to earn his master’s degree in finance and accounting from Pace University and started his own accounting practice shortly after turning it into a successful career till retirement. 

In the early 1980s, Gary founded Yorktown Youth Soccer Club in Yorktown, NY. Yorktown was home to his family for many decades. Soccer was a life-long passion and one he shared with countless youth throughout his lifetime as both the President of the club and a coach to his children. 

A beloved husband, father, and grandpa, Gary leaves behind his devoted wife, Bernadette, married for over 53 years, the center of his world.  Garyis survived by his three children Alison, Matthew, and Carolyn, two sons-in-laws Matthew and Robert, and his five grandchildren Liam, Aiden, Gavin, Rose, and Noelle who all adored him. As well as his two sisters and three brothers and large loving extended family.  

He was an involved father supporting his children in all their interests. As a father and a man, he was dependable, available, and supportive. He was the first to tell you to pursue your goals.  Becoming a grandfather became his joy in life. He bragged about his five grandchildren to whoever would listen. He was immensely proud of each of them. From soccer to lacrosse, from swimming to gymnastics he attended every single game, sporting event, or school event he could with his wife no matter the distance. Hesupported them in anything and everything that shaped them. 

Gary loved having small talk and a good laugh.  He made sure to make the people around him feel at ease. He was often on a mission to tell a good “Dad Joke” or share an interesting fact. Once retired, Gary and his wife settled on the Jersey Shore where he enjoyed the ocean and sunsets over the view of New York City out his window.  Throughout his life, Gary donated blood regularly and was an organ donor at the end- donating both his liver and kidneys.  His family is so honored and proud. 

Funeral Services will be held at 103 Center Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ on Saturday, January 31 at noon with Rev. Jarlath Quinn of Saint Anges Church Officiating.  A celebration of Life will follow at Eastpointe Condominium, 1 Scenic Drive, Highlands, NJ, come as you please between one o’clock to four.

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St Jude's Children’sResearch Hospital, 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis TN 38105 in Gary's name. 

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