Charles Durkee “Durk” Snowden III lived his final years in Northvale, New Jersey. Always the unofficial mayor of wherever he lived, Durk found friends and created smiles wherever he went.
Durk was born in Delaware to Chip and Patricia Snowden on June 26, 1967, and was raised in Mobile, Alabama. He later lived in Key West and New York City, where he worked as a chef. The next chapter of his life brought him to the retail world, where he met his wife, Sarah, whom he supported as she pursued her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. They married in Jamaica in 2012 and made their home together in New York City.
They welcomed their son, Charles Durkee Snowden IV, “Charlie,” who became the center of their world. In 2019, they moved to Northvale, New Jersey, where Durk continued to amass a cadre of new friends while nurturing the friendships he had collected throughout every previous chapter of his life.
Durk loved his time in nature, whether on the hiking trails near home, on his annual 12-hour walks, or during his cherished trips to Maine. At home, he could most often be found cooking amazing meals for Sarah and Charlie or being the world’s best host, always remembering his guests’ favorite dishes. He loved planning meals for big occasions, especially Christmas Eve dinner with his sister-in-law, Rachel.
Durk was also a voracious reader, finishing several books each week. When giving someone a book recommendation, it was not unusual for him to quietly pull out his phone and order a copy for that person before the conversation was even over.
Looking out for others was where Durk truly shone. Even when he was unwell himself, his instinct was to find ways to help someone else. He raised money for others, including through his annual St. Jude walk. But his generosity went far beyond monetary gifts. He was known to make food, pick up groceries, or simply show up when he knew someone was sick or in need—even when he himself was not at his best.
Durk leaves behind countless friends and neighbors from Alabama, New York, New Jersey, Key West, South Africa, and Italy, to name only a few. His best friend and woman of honor, Jessica Ponchak, is just one example of how age, gender, and physical distance never hindered his ability to nurture a true friendship.
Durk’s family and found family are too numerous to name. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, who spent more than half of her life loving and growing alongside him, and who credits Durk with shaping so much of the person she became and teaching her the true meaning of empathy and kindness; and his son, Charlie, who carries forward his father’s wit, gregariousness, and compassion.
He is also survived by his siblings, including his brother Bill, who describes Durk as his idol; his sister-in-law Monica and niece Maya; and his nephew Liam, who was always his best audience. His in-laws never considered Durk anything less than a son, brother, uncle, or cousin. They include Larry, Carol, Rachel, Tom, Emma, Luke, Jodi, Ken, and Sadie.
More than anything, Durk will be remembered for the way he made people feel: welcomed, cared for, fed, entertained, and loved. He built community wherever he went, and the friendships and family he created along the way are his legacy.
Visitation will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, New Jersey, on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
A brief Shiva will be held at the family home, 202 Washington Street, Northvale, New Jersey, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 2:00–6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Durk may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9413794&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
Rest in peace, Durk. Thank you for the laughs and love that you shared so freely. You are missed.
May your rest in peace my dear cousin, I am lost for words! You have touched so many people in 59 years. The stories and laughs will always keep me laughing every time I think of you! Always in my heart!
Miss Bossface, Fer-Fer, Cousin Jennifer
Dear Durk Aka Mono payaso…
I remember the first time we met. Our boys were bff’s in school. Before Pre-K.
From politics to life. We talked about everything. You were one mighty lefty for a southerner. That connected us. I will never forget the laughs. The kindness. The nicknames. My daughter always laughs when you call her Jelly. She still wanted to know why you called her that lol. I guess we’ll never know.
Sending Sarah and Charlie infinite hugs and prayers and everyone in your family and circle of friends.
We will miss you Mono Payaso!!!! Everyone who knew you was blessed to have met you. You were certainly one of a kind.
I’m grateful for you!!!
Thank you for everything.
Love,
Edy, Phoenix & Analynn (Jelly) ❤️
Never knew you, Durk …except through “our” Brother, Bill…but it is clear from the above, everything he told me about the joy, fun, and light attending your journey was absolutely true. Rest in Peace…Well Done!
My heart is heavy with this news. Durk, while I met you only once, there were so many things that your other half , Sarah spoke about you! You are the love of her life. And man, those amazing lunches you made her…. I kept hoping you would open a food truck and feed us some proper food at work in the Bronx:-) Sarah and Charlie, my sincere condolences, my heart and prayers are with you.
It breaks my heart to have heard this news today. I’m still gobsmacked even after reading Durk’s obituary. I worked for Durk at Apple: he was one of the kindest and most present individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He had a remarkable light about him; a bit larger than life, if you will.
As a leader, I found him to be an incredibly positive influence (which is rare). Always willing to chat, always willing to help. We could all stand to learn a lot from Durk’s example. The world is assuredly a much sadder and darker place without his spark in it.
I’ll miss you, Durk Snowden, and thanks for everything.
I went to middle and high school with Durk in Mobile, AL. Truly one of the funniest people I’ve ever known. Durk introduced me and many other peers to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground and for that, I am eternally grateful.
My heart hurts for you, Sarah and Charlie. May his memory be a blessing.
Durk was always a nice person and saying hello when passing by. Anytime I had left over construction equipment Durk would text my cell and ask if I could bring it so he or Sara can do their next project. He will be missed not seeing him around town. RIP Durk.
I am saddened to hear of Durk’s passing. As a childhood friend, he holds a special place in my memory, one filled with wonder and adventure. It is reassuring to know that his namesake carries on in his father’s footsteps. Another kind man, a collector of colorful souls, of which mine is included. Rest in Peace.
This is devastating. I’m so sorry Sarah and Charlie. DURK and I were besties back in the day at Old Town in the early 90s. You can see that his name is capitalized in my autocorrect because his name was in my phone before phones knew how to use lowercase letters. We’ve always kept in touch over the years . He would always text me when he drove by the Polar bear in Worcester on his way to Maine. We went to lots of concerts together especially loving Cibo Matto. I’ve only just gotten the news so I’m still processing. Much love to the family.
ROASTBEEF!! Durk hired me at his place of work 19 years ago and changed the trajectory of my life until this very day! He is truly an unforgettable person. I witnessed him in action uplifting so many spirits. He was his own brand! He is uncontainable, exuberant, a strong individual mind!! His energy will continue to vibrate through life for many many many more years. Blessings and condolences to his loved family and cherished friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Too young. His passing has been shocking to all of us who no longer saw him daily.
I am beyond sad! Durk was such a bright light, he was such a great friend and he loved you (Sarah) and Charlie fiercely! I will miss seeing him and laughing with him by the house or occasionally out to lunch always with Charlie and/or Sarah by his side. I can still hear him greeting me in a funny voice / jokingly calling me “Aunt Barbara.” He will be deeply missed – May he Rest in Peace
Of the many souls we have met on our journey, and of those who became true friends, dearest Durk stands head and shoulders above them all, figuratively and literally.
Our friend is the kindest, most gentle and funniest soul; a giant of a man in so many ways. For me, he was an inspirational father to dear Charlie and a deeply devoted soulmate to Sarah.
We are so honoured to have spent such wonderful times in your company — hearing your stories, cheering on our favourite teams, sharing so much silliness and laughter, and of course enjoying your wonderful cooking, but also your kindness and wisdom.
We love you, Durk, and our lives are immeasurably richer for having had you as our friend.
Sending much love from Cape Town,
Leon, Stacey, Gigi (Barbara), Jules and little Roman
We were heartbroken to hear of Durk’s passing. He was always such a light in the room. So kind, a true cheerleader for the boys at Bach 2 Rock, and a great soul. We’re keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable loss. We’ll miss his energy and the love for life he brought to everyone around him.
With much love,
Mike, Kathie, Tanner, and Ryder
Man always brought a smile to my face everytime I was in his presence, this is a true dimming of the light. Rest well and thank you for all your stories your non trasitional company.
I used to work with Dirk at the Old Town, he was a great friend and co worker, he said that one of the reasons I was hired was because I was an Atlanta Braves fan, he was so loving and caring to all of us that worked with him, no matter how busy we were in the kitchen he would always lighten the mood and make it better, he’ll be missed and loved by all, Peace my Grande Amigo, till we meet again you’ll always be in our hearts, and a great inspiration
Very sorry to hear of Durk’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends.
It’s been hard for me to reconcile a world without Durk. I met him when I lived in the northeast through his (at the time) girlfriend, Sarah. From day one, I was blown away by Durk’s presence. He had a way of making us feel seen and like he was truly enjoying our presence to the fullest. He was joy if that feeling could come alive as a human. When I showed up pregnant at their wedding, he gave the future baby a shout out during his speech… at HIS OWN wedding!! Who does that? He was a true gift to the Earth. An incomparable man. Some of my tippy-top, funnest memories were witnessed by him late nights in NYC. He became our Aunty Durk. We were so lucky to have been in his orbit. My deepest condolences and love go out to Sarah and Charlie who I know he loved so deeply, and to all his family and friends. I’m so so sorry for your loss.
Sending big hugs,
Uncle Jackie, Aunty Ben, Amelie, & Ander-bone
What can one even say about Durk Snowden? He’s the captain. A gentle giant. His permanent mob-style grin lit up every room he walked into. His sense of humor is wildly original and an absolute belly burster. Durk Snowden is one of a kind. His unique combination of personality traits naturally allowed him to disarm any situation with simply the energy he brought to the situation and made him an absolutely priceless and powerful leader. I will never forget how he inspired me. Durk made me a better man. He will be greatly missed.
I was so lucky to work with Durk for a few years at the Old Town in the 1990s. There aren’t words to adequately describe how much he cared about people, how hard he worked, and how thoughtful and considerate he was to all. The fun we had at work and around town are some of my most cherished NYC memories. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
My most heartfelt condolences to the family. Durk was a man who changed the course of my life. Hiring a young dumb kid to work at the Apple Store set me on the path I currently walk today. I am thankful everyday for having crossed paths with one of the most amazing, funny, and unique people on this Earth. You will be missed dearly.