Benjamin J. "Big Ben" Snipas

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ben J. Snipas, of Prompton, passed away on Feb. 26, resulting from an automobile accident outside of Knoxville, Tenn., on his way to Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. Another driver caused the accident. He had many accomplishments in his life, but was a humble person who prided himself in having a perfect driving record at his age. He was the son of Joseph and Eva Snipas.
He was a graduate of Wilkes-Barre Meyers High School, class of 1937, and attended high school while working full time in the coal mines. He holds a bachelor's degree in education, graduating early from the accelerated program at Penn State in 1942, and a master's degree in psychology from the University of Scranton, class of 1961. He taught part-time as a professor there also. He was a former civil defense commander of Waymart. He taught nuclear warfare classes during the summer while in the Army Reserves at Ft. Benning.
He entered the Army on Dec. 29, 1942, six days after graduating from Penn State. On Aug. 30, 1944, he was assigned to K CO. 116th Regiment, 29th Infantry as a combat platoon leader. In his opinion, an infantry platoon leader in combat was saddled with the most difficult job in an infantry division. In W.W.II, he was hospitalized twice for wounds he received in combat.
In Korea, he was assigned to 8th Army Rest and Recuperation Detachment at K-7 Air Base, Chenchon, Korea, where troops were processed for seven-day "leave" in Japan.
He was the program director at Farview State Hospital, retiring in 1978 after 21 years of service. He was beaten severely during an inmate escape and would not give up his keys to the institution. He barely survived, crediting Dr. Propst of Honesdale with saving his life.
He remained active in the Army reserve program, attending three major service schools and retired in 1968, after 24 years of military service. He was an active member of the Retired Officers Association Veteran's of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, National Association of Uniformed Services, VFW, and Florida Chapter 2, 29th Infantry Division Association.
He wrote and personally published a hard-cover book on his war experiences, "Non Fiction" platoon level stories confined to "How It Happened" or "Told As It Is."
He was sports oriented. In his early years, there was ice skating, softball, boxing, wrestling, baseball, swimming, diving, fishing, hunting, and football. In later life, he narrowed it down to fishing and golf. He never missed the opening day of trout season. He was a VFW Champion with his partner in his late 80s with 12 wins and 0 losses.
Surviving is his long time companion, Mary Gudzan, of Dunmore; Daughters Baerbel Snipas, of Hamily, and Maretta Savage and husband, Nick, of Carbondale; Grandchildren Lisa, Michael, David and Rickey. Great-grandchildren Thomas, Claudia, Haley and Alexander Benjamin. Step-Granddaughter. Nicole Savage, of Carbondale, and her children, Charlie, Austin, Kianna and Eric. Nieces, Geraldine and husband, Al; Donna and husband, Walter; LaVerne and husband, Bob. Nephews, Bill (who was considered the "the son he never had") and wife, Jo Ann; Vincent, retired Air Force Col. of whom he was very proud and wife.
He was proceeded in death by three sisters: Della Grohowski, Theresa Robinson, Lilian Tomalinas; and three brothers: Joseph, John and Alexander.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m., from Bednarski & Thomas Funeral Home, 27 Park Ave., Wilkes-Barre, with services to be held at 11 a.m., in the Chapel of Holy Trinity Cemetery, Bear Creek.
Friends may call on Friday from 2-4 p.m., and 7-9 p.m., at the funeral home.
He was deeply admired and loved by family, friends and all who knew him. He will be very sadly missed.