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Snitil, Raphael Florian 'Ray'
UPDATED: Raphael Florian “Ray” Snitil, 95, of Garnett Place Retirement Community, formerly of 3601 Foxborough Terr. NE, died Monday evening, June 21, 2010, at his home. Funeral Mass: 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church by Father Christopher Podhajsky. Burial: St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, where a rosary begins at 6:30 p.m.
Raphael is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dorothy; son, Raphael Louis Snitil, Palm Desert, Calif.; sister, Teresa Sopousek, Cedar Rapids; four nephews, four nieces and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife; parents; sister, Lillian Stava; and brother, Frank Snitil Jr.
Raphael was born July 2, 1914, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank Louis and Matilda (Schwankl) Snitil. He graduated from St. Wenceslaus High School in 1932 and attended Columbia (now Loras) College in Dubuque. Raphael married Eva Lenore Ralston on June 8, 1937, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. She died July 8, 1952. He married Dorothy Anne Duda on Oct. 2, 1954, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Belle Plaine.
Raphael was in the insurance business for over 40 years with Slavia Agencies Inc. and later First Iowa Agency in Cedar Rapids. He was past president of the Cedar Rapids Association of Insurance Agents and past president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa. He served in the Navy.
Raphael was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Cadets of St. George Branch 45 F.C.S.L.A. (formerly Catholic Workman), American Legion Hanford Post 5, Lodge Karel IV 13 W.F.L.A. and a member and past president of the Cedar Rapids Organ Society. He was a member and had volunteered countless hours at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library.
A special thank you to Hospice of Mercy, Garnett Place and Dr. Bradley Beer for the tender and loving care they gave Ray during his final days.
Military graveside services will be conducted by American Legion Mooney-Vogel Post 727.
Memorials may be given to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Xavier High School or a charity of the donor's choice.
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