Edward "Ed" Delbert Snell, 87, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 12, 1938, in Enhaut, Pennsylvania, Ed was the son of the late Delbert Snell and Marie (Hanich) Snell. He grew up in the Harrisburg area and proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1956 to 1960.

On February 20, 1960, Ed married the love of his life, Karen A. (Baumgartner) Snell. Together, they built a deep foundation of faith, family, and shared devotion over decades of marriage. Beyond their own home, Ed and Karen shared a fierce commitment to caring for others; lovingly tending to their own aging mothers and continually stepping up to look after friends in their community whenever they needed support.

Those who knew Ed will always remember his amazing sense of humor and the warmth he brought into every room. He made it his personal mission to cheer up everyone in his circle, bringing a ton of laughter into people's lives through jokes, memorable costumes, and an infectious joy for life.

Ed was also a man of strong convictions and dedicated action. Driven by his deep beliefs, he began his life’s work in the pro-life movement in 1988, remaining an active, well-known, and passionate advocate in the community through his final years. His energy, steadfast commitment to his principles, and decades of advocacy left a lasting mark on the causes he held dear and the many people he worked alongside.

Above all, Ed was devoted to his expanding family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen; his four children, Susan Austin and her husband [David], Dr. Ed Snell Jr. and his wife [Christine], John J. Snell, and Joseph J. Snell; 13 grandchildren, Patrick, Jason, Dr. Emily, Elizabeth, Jacob, Katherine, Joshua, Jeremiah, Aleksandra, Shannon, Melissa, Daniel, and Heidi; and four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Elle, Oliver, and Cooper.

Ed was preceded in death by his cherished grandson, David, whose memory remained close to his heart.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 7 at St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, 2800 Paxton Church Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17110, with Rev. Samuel Houser celebrating. A Viewing will take place from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at Wiedeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 357 S Harrisburg St, Oberlin, PA 17113. There will be a private Military Burial at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pennsylvania ProLife Federation at www.paprolife.org or 4800 Jonestown Rd, #102, Harrisburg, PA 17109.