Obituary – lvin L. Snowiss
lvin L. Snowiss, 94, a lifelong resident of Lock Haven, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Born June 16, 1930, he was the son of the late Lillian K. and Benjamin Snowiss. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean. Alvin is survived by his two granddaughters, Andrea Sorgen and Jennifer Shirey. Alvin was grateful to remain at his home, after Jean’s passing, thanks to the efforts of his caregivers.
Alvin graduated from Lock Haven High School in 1948, The University of Pennsylvania in 1952, and The Law School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1955. He practiced law in Lock Haven for sixty-nine years, the last thirty of which was as a partner in the law firm of Snowiss, Steinberg & Faulkner, LLP. Alvin served as the Clinton County Solicitor for eight years and was instrumental in obtaining the financing for the construction of Susque-View County Home and the Belles Spring Golf Course. He was the school district solicitor during the period of consolidation creating Keystone Central.
Alvin was past president of the Clinton County County Bar Association. He served for many years in the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of Delegates prior to being elected as a Zone Governor and Treasurer of that organization. Alvin was a member of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Throughout his life, Alvin participated in leadership roles in many Clinton County community activities, including serving on the Board of Trustees of the Lock Haven Hospital for thirty-seven years, the Annie Halenbake Ross Library for twenty-three years, and the Board of Directors of Mellon Bank (Central) and it’s predecessors for thirty years. Alvin was a member and past president of the Lock Haven Kiwanis Club. With his former law partner, Allan Lugg, they established The Clinton County Community Foundation and he served on the board for thirty years. Alvin was a past president and lifelong member of Beth Yehuda Synagogue.
Alvin and Jean were collectors of American Art and were generous supporters of Penn State’s Palmer Museum of Art donating to its works of art and contributing the funds to establish its American Art gallery in memory of his deceased parents. In 1999, Alvin and Jean established scholarships at the Penn State University Park campus for graduates of Clinton County High Schools. Currently, there are twelve students who are recipients of these scholarships. Alvin and Jean were proud to be involved in the mentorship of all students, but particularly, Robert F. Englert, who followed Alvin to the University of Pennsylvania Law School and continues to practice law in Lock Haven and throughout the state. As a result of their generous support, Alvin and Jean were made Honorary Alumni of Penn State. Alvin and Jean also established the Alvin L. Snowiss Chair in Taxation at the Law School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout his life, Alvin wanted to give back to the Clinton County community that he cared about so much. He leaves a legacy of having done so.
A graveside service for Alvin L. Snowiss will be held on Thursday, May 29, 12:30pm at the Beth Yehuda Cemetery with Rabbi David Ostrich officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donors charity of choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC. 121 West Main St. Lock Haven, Pa 17745.
Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com
