Chores always came first in the Snitko household.
Before Paul Snitko could go outside and shoot a basketball or throw a baseball, he had to finish a list of tasks around his parents’ house on the north end of Flint.
Scrubbing the floors was one chore that was particularly tedious.
“You had to get on your hands and knees and they had to be clean,” Snitko said. “You never went anywhere without getting the OK.”
Snitko always managed to get his chores done before making his way to various Flint venues, including Berston Field House, Atwood Stadium and Whaley Park, to hone his crafts.
Those chores not only helped him develop a solid work ethic, but a strong urge to help people.
Snitko became a solid two-sport athlete at Northern High before becoming one of the leading sponsors of Flint-area athletic teams.
Over the last 40 years, he has spent thousands of dollars sponsoring virtually every type of athletic team imaginable at all levels.
Snitko, who will turn 77 Thursday, gets a late birthday present tonight from the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame as the recipient of the Special Service Award.
“I’ve been brought up to help people,” Snitko said. “We were poor, but if he (Snitko’s father, John) saw someone that needed something, he would give it to them.”
Snitko played basketball and baseball at Northern in the late 1940’s and early ’50’s.
In basketball at Northern, he helped the Vikings win the Motor City Holiday Tournament and reach the Class A regional championship game in 1950.
He served two years as a military policeman in Europe, where he played with future Harlem Globetrotter, Meadowlark Lemon, at Salzburg, Austria.
One season, he helped his MP company post a 26-4 overall record and reach the quarterfinals of the U.S. Forces Austria basketball tournament.
The Mt. Morris Township resident was equally talented in baseball as a second baseman. In 1952, he had a tryout with the Jackson Generals minor league team in Jackson, Tenn. The Generals played in the Kitty League, which is comparable to today’s rookie leagues.
He also had stints during the early 1950’s in the City AA basketball and baseball leagues.
Snitko credits his playing days for his success both inside and outside the city limits.
“We played so much in the gym we could put them (balls) through the rafters,” Snitko said. “The games were rough, but they were fun.”
His love for sports carried over to his family. His sons, Paul, John and Mark, played hockey at Hamady High. His daughter, Lisa, played and then coached tennis at Hamady.
Snitko said his late wife, Nancy, encouraged him to become a sponsor.
“She had a lot to do with it,” Snitko said. “She loved sports. l still feel, as long as I can, l will help them out.”
The Snitkos and their business, Snitko Hearing Aid Center, started sponsoring teams in the early 1970s.
Their fastpitch softball teams won a total of 26 championships. He has also helped out numerous bowling, hockey, baseball and basketball teams.
“It doesn’t matter who it is,” said Bill Snyder, a former classmate of Snitko’s at Northern. “He’s always ready to help. He’s a lifesaver.”
Area athletic teams are not the only ones who have benefited from Snitko’s generosity. He has made financial contributions to area parks such as Broome and Whaley, churches and other area charities.
He has attended Mayfair Bible Church for the last 53 years.
“I give God all the credit,” Snitko said. “I like helping people.”
Snitko sold his business several years ago, but he hasn’t stopped helping area teams. This year, he is a sponsor of the D.C. Complete Building Company men’s 30-and-over hockey team.
“I’ve never seen him turn anyone down who asked for something,” said Lynn Chandnois, a charter member of the GFASHF. “Whenever he is asked he does something. There should be more people like Paul.”
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