Joseph Snipes

Passed 06/06/2023

Obituary For Joseph Snipes

Joseph Vaughn “Joe” Snipes, 79, of S. 16th St., Harrisburg, transitioned into eternal life on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at UPMC Community Osteopathic Hospital.

He was born in Chesnee, SC, son of the late Clarice Snipes, a graduate of the former John Harris High School and an Army Veteran of the Vietnam Conflict.

He was awarded numerous commendations and medals for his service including the Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars, bronze Star Medal with a “V” for valor and heroism, Combat Infantry man badge, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and was a Marksman and Sharpshooter on various weapons. He served his country with honor and bravery and was proud of his service.

Joe retired as a Manager from the Dauphin County Assistance Office, after 31 years of working for the Commonwealth.

In addition to his mother, Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret McKay and Elaine Washington and leaves to celebrate his life, his friend and companion of 25 years, Linda; his brothers, Charles Rivers of Minneapolis, MN and David Reaves (Constance) of Centreville, VA; his nieces and nephews, Clarice, Brett, Addia, Alexandra, Taylor, Gregory, Kianna, Brandon, Roman and Sloane and a host of other relatives and friends.

Joe’s life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 15th at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp, P.O. Box 150448 Hartford, CT 06115-0448



Guest Book

My deepest condolences and prayers to the Snipes family. Frances Waters

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While attending Edison Jr. High School, I had the privilege of befriending Joe's younger brother Charles Rivers. Charles and I became the best of friends, frequently walking to school together along with my neighbors Jim 'Punkin' Anderson and Ronnie Hopkins, and all of us playing on the football team at Edison and John Harris. As we observed Joe, we recognized his calm and cool demeanor, and distinguished manner of dressing very spiffy but conservative each and every day. In short, we all looked up to Joe because of his slow and cool walk, gentle smile, and attention-getting dress code from head-to-toe. To us, Joe was all the man we hoped we would grow up to be like. RIP Comrade Joe Snipes. Melvin E. Waters, Sr. (USAF), Carol E. Waters-Jones, and the Waters Family.

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It was an honor and a privilege to work with Joe as a fellow Income Maintenance Casework Supervisor at the Dauphin County Board of Assistance in the late 1970s. I have never met a brighter more observant man as attentive to detail as Joe; nor one with a wit as sly and clever. I really admired his decisiveness. My condolences to the family.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA