Charles Snelling, wife found dead in Pennsylvania home

Charles Snelling, a member of the Propane Education & Research Council, and his wife, Adrienne, died on March 29 in their Fogelsville, Pa., home. Both were 81.

The Snelling family released a statement on the events leading to their deaths: “It is with the deepest regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Adrienne, and our, father, Charles. For the past several years our mother had been afflicted by Alzheimer’s, and together they struggled greatly to manage the effects of this devastating disease. After apparently reaching the point where he could no longer bear to see the love of his life deteriorate further, our father ended our mother’s life and then took his own life as well. This is a total shock to everyone in the family, but we know he acted out of deep devotion and profound love. They were wonderful parents and grandparents. And the love they shared during their 61-year marriage was total and complete. They will be missed by the entire family.”

Charles Snelling’s father, Walter Otheman Snelling, is recognized as the founder of propane. A story in the March issue of LP Gas detailed Walter’s achievements – many explained by Charles – prior to Walter’s April induction into the Propane Hall of Fame. The author wrote about Charles, “The octogenarian has been a scientist, multiple patent holder, venture capitalist, writer, and until this year the chair of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.” Charles Snelling was a well-known businessman and politician in Pennsylvania.

Charles and Adrienne were the parents of five children and had 11 grandchildren.