Glen D. Snell, 83, of Watertown, NY, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County. Glen led a purposeful life of commitment and dedication to others that will leave a lasting impact on all whose lives he touched.

Glen was born on April 3, 1943, in Syracuse, NY, the son of G. Donald and Dorothy (Lanning) Snell and was raised by his mother and his grandfather, Henry “Pop” Lanning, on the family dairy farm in Navarino, NY. Glen graduated from Marcellus Central High School in 1961, where he played the baritone horn and learned how to think and write from beloved English teacher and lifelong friend, Harold “Hal” Vine. The farm’s veterinarian, Dr. Bruce Widger, inspired Glen to explore a career in veterinary medicine. He attended Cornell University and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1967.

On August 20, 1966, Glen married Susan M. Raynor of Marcellus at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Marcellus, NY. Their love story began when they met in kindergarten; their first date was the junior prom, and they continued dating during their senior year and reconnected in college. An engagement ring hidden in the glove compartment after a barn dance sparked a loving partnership that lasted more than sixty years.

Glen began a forty-two-year veterinary career in Locke, NY, working for Dr. Ed Mackey. In 1970, Glen and his Cornell classmate, Dr. Harry McMillan, initially joined Dr. Wilbur Bull in his veterinary practice in Burrville, NY; in 1972 the three opened the Watertown Animal Hospital, still located on Washington Street. Glen remained a founding partner in the practice until his retirement in 2009, and continued part time for several years afterward. Although Glen loved animals of all shapes and sizes, his farm upbringing drove a particular passion for large animal work, and he built lasting relationships with dairy farmers all over the North Country. Glen believed that small farms and large farms were equally important and sometimes took payment in kind to ensure an animal received the needed care.

A longtime and devoted member of Asbury United Methodist Church, Glen cared for the church building like he cared for animals—if anything was needed, Glen was the first person to step forward. He served as a church trustee from 1982 until the present, including more than twenty years as president. During his years of service, Glen oversaw the church steeple renovation and reroofing project, served on the finance committee, sang in the church choir, counted the weekly collection, and even ran the elevator. His faithful commitment to his church and community was a key pillar of his life.

Glen was elected to the Watertown Board of Education and filled his seat from 1976 to 1982, serving as president for one term. He was also a member of the NY State Veterinary Medical Association and the North Country Bird Club.

An avid gardener who took great pride in his vegetable and flower gardens, Glen spent colder months in his greenhouse, growing and propagating geraniums, or starting spring vegetable seedlings to plant or share. Glen’s geranium cuttings always sold out at the annual Asbury church rummage sale, drawing loyal repeat customers and filling porch baskets across Watertown.

For over five decades, Glen and his family made yearly July trips to the cherished fishing camp (or simply “camp”) on Loughborough Lake in Ontario, Canada, a special gathering place for fishing, paddling, enjoying gin & tonics and delicious meals, and playing countless games of cribbage. Glen and Susan also enjoyed many years of camping in their pop-up camper across NY and New England. These family trips and quiet time spent in nature created memories that will remain with his family for generations.

Glen traveled to England and Scotland numerous times to visit gardens and historical sites and to search for unique single malt Scotch. In 1980, he visited the animal surgery of legendary veterinarian and author James Herriot, and missed his idol by just a few minutes, as Herriot was out on a call. During a 2003 trip, Glen visited the Mecca of single malt Scotch lovers, the Quaich room of the Craigellachie Hotel, tasting several memorable batches. At the height of his collecting, Glen had over thirty bottles squirrelled away in the kitchen cupboards, prepared to pour a wee dram for family and friends upon request.

Glen was devoted to his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Susan M. Snell of Watertown; his son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth H. and Amy L. Snell of Houston, Texas; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy C. and Andrew C. Weislogel of Ithaca, NY; four grandchildren, Elliot and Oliver Snell, and Clare and Genevieve Weislogel; his brother and sister-in-law, Russell “Rusty” and Dorothy Snell of Marietta, NY; his brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Linda Isbell of Elm City, North Carolina; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Jay Macdonald of Prince Edward Island, Canada; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Bonnie and Clyde.

He was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Michael Strich.

Arrangements are with Hart & Bruce Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on November 27, 2026, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 327 Franklin St., Watertown. Interment in Brookside Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Glen’s memory may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

Online condolences may be left at www.hartandbrucefh.com.