Damon “Dame” Snell was born on May 4, 1987, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away on August 7, 2026, at the age of 39. His life was marked by faith, devotion to family, generosity, ambition, and a genuine desire to leave the people around him better than he found them.

To know Damon was to know his radiant smile, big, bright, and warm enough to lift the spirit of anyone around him. He possessed a generous soul and an instinct to care for others, whether that meant offering encouragement, lending a hand, or finding a solution when one seemed out of reach. His familiar “I can fix it” approach reflected the way he lived: resourceful, dependable, forward-thinking, and always willing to help.

Damon valued education, hard work, and continually striving for better. He graduated from the University of Akron and went on to earn his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. A lifelong learner, he further distinguished himself through professional certifications from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among other professional development achievements. His pursuit of knowledge reflected not only personal ambition, but his belief that education could create opportunities, expand possibilities, and change the trajectory of a family.

Professionally, Damon built a successful career with PepsiCo/Frito-Lay. In every role he held, he was known for his integrity, discipline, patience, and natural leadership. He continually pushed beyond expectations and broke barriers, setting an example that inspired those around him to work hard, pursue their goals, and recognize that their possibilities could extend far beyond what they imagined.

Among all of Damon’s accomplishments, none held greater meaning than being a husband and father. His children were his greatest source of pride. He treasured watching his eldest graduate and prepare for college, he delighted in teaching his daughter about sports, perseverance, and the importance of carrying a smile through life’s challenges, as well as loving outdoors all its possibilities with his youngest. He wanted his children to be confident, capable, educated, and prepared for the future, and he led them toward those values through both his words and his example.

Family was the center of Damon’s life, and to him, family was never confined to a last name or a household. His circle extended from his wife and children to relatives near and far, nieces and nephews, and friends who became family. Damon was the one who invited everyone, believing there was always room for another person to feel welcomed and included. He shared an especially treasured bond with his beloved grandmother, Hattie, affectionately known as his “favorite girl.”

Damon enjoyed the finer details of life. He appreciated a good bourbon and cigar, loved technology, and was unwaveringly loyal to the Cleveland Browns, you couldn’t tell him anything about his team. He was equally known for his sense of style. Damon was often the best dressed man in the room, meticulous about every detail, down to his shoes.

Those closest to Damon knew him as intelligent, charming, protective, gentle, encouraging, and driven. He carried himself with quiet confidence and humility, though once his mind was made up, his stubbornness was sure to make an appearance. These qualities made Dame distinctly himself.

Damon leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife; his children; his parents; his siblings; his beloved grandmother, Hattie; a host of nieces and nephews; extended family; and many cherished friends.

Though his years were far too few, Damon’s life was rich in purpose and impact. His legacy lives on in his children, in the barriers he broke, in the example he set, and in the many people who were encouraged to dream bigger because he did.

His bright smile, generous heart, steadfast love, and remarkable presence will be deeply missed and forever etched in our hearts.