John Aurthor Snell Sr

John Aurthor Snell, age 43, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on November 4th, 2025.  He is survived by his loving wife Lisa Marie Pollard, Daughter Presley Taylor Snell, Son John Aurthor Snell Jr, Mother Jolynn “Jo” Snell, Father Richard “Rick” Snell, and brother Dustin Snell. 

John was born in Prescott, AZ and raised across multiple Arizona towns - Chino Valley, Tucson, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert. Wherever he lived, he made friends, made memories, and left an impression impossible to forget.

As a young boy, John was active, friendly, loud, funny, and tough as nails — a kid who loved everyone and was loved right back. Growing up in Tucson, he spent his days at the park across the street, riding bikes, playing ball, wrestling, running around with friends, and coming home banged up but never beaten. His little brother Dustin arrived during those years, and John took his role seriously — introducing him to every friend and keeping an eye on him with a fierce, loving loyalty. 

At age 8, John’s family moved to Chandler - “C-Town,” as he would later proudly call it. It was here, as he grew into junior high and high school, that “Snell” became the name everyone knew him by. What began in Chandler became his legacy. It was the backdrop of his childhood, his friendships, his athletic dominance, his wild stories, and the life he eventually built with his own family. Snell grew into a true Chandler legend — known, respected, and talked about with love to this day.

From a young age, Snell loved football. He was a standout player everywhere he played — from park pickup games to Pop Warner, to Anderson Junior High, to Hamilton High School, and ultimately earning a college scholarship. At Hamilton, under the legendary Coach John Wrenn, Snell was a four-year varsity starter at defensive line/linebacker, setting school records (many still standing today). He was honored as All-State First Team Defense and Defensive MVP, helping establish the Hamilton football dominance that continues today. Go Huskies!

As much as he loved football, Snell loved wrestling just as fiercely. He started young in a small Tucson clinic (“we just needed him to burn off that energy,” his parents laugh). At Hamilton, he wrestled under the incredible Coach Quinn, whom Snell deeply admired. His senior year, despite a late start due to football playoffs and a painful shoulder injury, Snell fought through a brutal 215lb State Championship bracket at Veterans Memorial Coliseum — finishing as the state runner-up, wrestling nearly the entire tournament with one working arm. He was honored as a 5A First Team Wrestler — a true testament to his grit, toughness, and heart. Though smart as a whip, school wasn’t always his priority… unless sports were threatened — then the A’s and B's showed up quickly.

Athletics were a huge part of who Snell was, but they were only the beginning. He was an even better person than he was an athlete. A loving son who brought endless joy to his parents. A fiercely protective and loyal big brother. A loyal partner and husband to Lisa for almost 20 years. And a devoted, deeply loving father to his two incredible kids. Presley and John Jr — his greatest pride in life.

Snell loved the simple things: time with family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting, boating, cooking, BBQing, snow trips, movies, and music. He loved his pups — Kuda, Priscilla, Deja, and Theo — each one a major part of his world.

He worked hard his entire life. After trade school and fire/EMT training, Snell found his calling in carpentry, working with his hands which is what he did best. He took pride in his craft and was loyal, steady, and reliable. But beyond his accomplishments, John Snell will be remembered for his heart. He was generous, kind, loud, hilarious, and full of life. He lit up every room, made everyone feel welcome, and carried a spirit people never forgot. He loved deeply — his friends like family, and his family more than anything in this world.

Gone too soon. You brought so much joy to so many. We are so proud of you. Your time on earth is done here — and you lived it well. Your legacy will live on through your family, the friendships you built, the stories people will always tell, and most of all, through your two incredible children, who carry your strength, your humor, your personality, your kindness, and your heart. As his wife Lisa says, “Snell was a legend to all who knew him — and will forever be our favorite Chandler legend.”

We love and miss you beyond words. Till we meet again in heaven.

Viewing: Friday 11/21/25 5-6pm

Falconer Funeral Home

251 W Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ

Celebration of Life: Saturday 11/22/25 10am

Sun Valley Community Church

456 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ

Burial: Saturday 11/22/25 1:30pm

Mesa City Cemetery

1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ

Reception to follow at the Snell’s:

2041 E Marquette Dr, Gilbert, AZ