Gregg Lee Snaza

Command Master Chief Gregg Lee Snaza, 50, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2015 at his home in Portsmouth. Gregg was born in South Dakota. He is survived by his loving wife Cheri Snaza; two daughters, Nicole and Yeoman First Class Kaila Snaza; and, his adorable grandson Parker Lee. He also leaves behind his father Julian Snaza of Mankato, MN and mother Margaret Snaza of St. Peter, MN; three sisters, Kelli Bohm and Shannon Snaza, both of Mankato, MN and Erin Joice of Baldwin, FL; and, a brother Nathan Snaza of Richmond, VA. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Gregg proudly served the United States Navy for over 32 years. His early sea tours included USS Wisconsin (BB 64), USS Josephus Daniels (CG 27), USS George Washington (CVN 73), and USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). His early shore assignments included Navy Broadcasting Service, Detachment Argentia, Newfoundland, Canada; Navy Public Affairs Support Element East; Submarine Force Atlantic; and U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He served as Command Master Chief of USS Ross (DDG 71), Naval Station Norfolk, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and the Navy Exchange Service Command. At the time of his death, he was the Regional Command Master Chief for Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Norfolk. When Gregg was not working and taking care of Sailors, you could find him entertaining friends and family with dinners and fine wine from his impressive collection. He was a highly decorated and respected sailor, a great Chief who loved his Navy and country and was loved by so many. Gregg will always be remembered for the great leader he was and for the legacy he leaves behind. While the Navy may have been his first love, his greatest love was his family. He was immensely proud of his daughters and adored his grandson Parker. Cheri, whom he met in Korea in 1997 and married in 2002 was the absolute love of his life. A memorial service will be held at Naval Station Norfolk, 9475 Bacon Ave., Bldg. C-9, Tuesday, November 3 at 10 a.m. A reception and celebration of his life will immediately follow at Vista Point Conference Center. In lieu of flowers, family and friends can honor his legacy with a donation in his name to the Navy Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund at http://www.cposf.org/ In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at sea.