Dean Allen Snatchko

A gift to those who could call him a friend, Dean Allen Snatchko of Delta, Ohio died peacefully in his sleep sometime during the early hours of Friday, September 25, 2020.

Born September 7th 1972 in Pittsburgh, PA to parents, John and Sandy (Allen) Snatchko, Dean grew up in McDonald, Pennsylvania and attended West Allegheny school district graduating in 1990. He continued his education at Point Park University pursuing film making but left in 1992 to enlist in the US Navy. After completing two years of training in Chicago, Illinois as a Gas Turbine Systems technician, he was assigned to duty in Mayport, Florida on the USS McInerney (FFG-8).
By the time Dean was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1998 he had risen to the LPO of the MER on the McInerney. He then entered studies at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in West Mifflin, PA. where he graduated in 2000 with an associate’s degree in Aeronautical Maintenance with Airframe and Powerplant licenses. Because of his outstanding academic achievement there, he earned a position with US Airways’ sheet metal shop at its’ Pittsburgh hub right after graduation and worked there until 2002.

In the years following, Dean expanded his skills and directed his focus to corporate aviation. He worked for Cessna Aircraft Company in Swanton, Ohio, Bombardier Aerospace in Bridgeport, WV, National Flight Services, Inc. in Swanton, Ohio and spent his last five and a half years with Dallas Airmotive in Washington, PA.

Dean’s knowledge as a mechanic in aviation was extensive. He held lead technician positions in structures and in research and development, was well regarded in his ability in sheet metal work, general maintenance, troubleshooting, inspection,  engine repair and overhaul and r&d work in which he built a test cell.

Throughout his work in the Navy and later as an aircraft mechanic, Dean traveled extensively including throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and even Iceland. But nowhere he wanted to be more than was at home with his family.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, brother and true friend who wore a warm smile and easily gave a greeting of a “what’s up?” and wave wherever he would go. He was a multi-faceted diamond of a man rich with humor and tales of his travels, dreams, passions and thoughts. His talents and interests were like that of a painter’s palette so varied, colorful and many that a simple list here could not detail them all.

He is survived by his best friend and partner of 19 years, Dawn; his daughter, Dorian Snatchko; his son, Dylan Roman; his mother Sandy Snatchko; his brothers Regis (Desiree), John, and Samuel Snatchko; his mother-in-law Shirley Castillo; his father-in-law Donald Bertram; nieces Alyssa and Lily and numerous and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, work family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father John Snatchko.

There will be no services as he will have a Navy burial at sea.