PARISHVILLE. — The North Country is mourning the loss of Retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell, who passed away May 20, after a courageous battle with an illness stemming from his service at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Snell, a Parishville native who passed away at age 56, dedicated 23 years to the New York State Police, rising through the ranks from Trooper to First Sergeant. His death is among the growing number of first responders whose health was impacted by their heroic efforts at Ground Zero in the aftermath of one of the nation’s darkest days.

Calling hours for Snell will be held on Wednesday, May 28, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Parishville Center Apple Orchard, 765 State Route 72 in Potsdam.

A funeral service will follow on Thursday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at The Stables at Windy Point, 215 Sissonville Road, Potsdam. A private burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Parishville.

Following the burial, friends and family are invited back to The Stables for a remembrance gathering.

Born October 3, 1968, in Ogdensburg to Gary and Jane Rozon Snell, Mike grew up in Parishville and graduated as salutatorian from Parishville-Hopkinton Central School in 1987. A standout athlete, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s in teaching from SUNY Plattsburgh.

Mike began his professional life as a science teacher at Harrisville Central School, but he soon found his calling in law enforcement, joining the state police in 1999, inspired by his older brother Gary.

His final assignment was as First Sergeant at SP Ray Brook in Troop B.

Snell’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He and his wife, Tammy Pate, built a home and life together in Parishville, raising four sons Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison, and Lawson.

He is survived by his wife, children, parents, siblings, extended family, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, the Snell family invites memorial contributions to be made in Mike’s honor to the Parishville Sportsman’s Club, the Parishville Fire Department, or Harrisville Central School. Additionally, the family encourages the public to consider donating blood—a cause close to Mike’s heart.

Read his full obituary here.