Alvar "Mike" von Sneidern

Alvar “Mike” von Sneidern, a resident of Baldwinsville, died at his home on October 24, 2020 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 85. A native of Syracuse, he graduated from Syracuse University in 1957 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He served a total of 37 years as an engineer at Crucible Steel, retiring in 2009. For several years, Mike was also a franchise owner of the Chittenango service plaza on the New York State Thruway. Professionally, he was a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity and a member of ASM International, the world’s largest association of scientists and materials engineers.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kay Betts von Sneidern; sister, Maja-Lisa von Sneidern of Tucson, AZ; sons, Erik (Nina Lutz) von Sneidern of Baldwinsville, Christopher von Sneidern of San Francisco, CA and Lars (Heather Mondor) von Sneidern of Portland, OR; daughter, Jennifer von Sneidern Haas of Camp Hill, PA; stepdaughter, Paula (John) Baker of Derry, NH; and stepsons, Stephen Betts and Craig Betts, both of Phoenix, NY; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Esther von Sneidern; first wife, Sandra Pascarella; and second wife, Terry Steenburg von Sneidern.

Remembered by friends and loved ones as thoughtful, resourceful, generous and persistent, Mike was a natural problem solver, always willing to lend a hand or offer a random act of kindness. A descendant of legendary Mayflower passenger William Bradford, he was an avid reader with an extensive knowledge of Civil War history. He also loved classical music and attending bluegrass festivals and events with Kay. Both were active members of the Central New York Bluegrass Association. Passionate about his Swedish ancestry and Scandinavian heritage, Mike was an active member of the Sons of Norway. From 1950 to 1969, he happily spent every weekend and every bit of vacation time at a cottage on the St. Lawrence River’s Cedar Island in the Thousand Islands. After retiring, he enjoyed traveling and spending time at the couple’s summer residence at Brennan Beach on Lake Ontario. Of great importance to Mike were his and Kay’s weekly “Any Wednesday” social gatherings at their home, which friends and family will also recall with great fondness.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. Mike will be interred at Greenlawn Cemetery in Warners.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North St., Liverpool, NY 13088.