| Graduation Year | Class of 1976 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 06, 2012 |
| About | Michael David Snisky died on August 6, 2012 at age 53. The cause of death was from heart valve failure after a long two month stay in the hospital. This was his third heart surgery over his lifetime as Mike was born with a leaky aortic valve. Michael was born on October 5, 1958 to Dolores M. Snisky. Michael discovered his passion at a young age beginning karate classes in 1972 at the tender age of 14. From that first step into Masters Soon-Ho Chang and Yong-Man Lees school in Bethlehem, Mike thrived and in 1988 attained his dream opening the Eastern Defensive Arts Academy in Quakertown. Michael was a teacher of ethics, of discipline, of values, of self-esteem. In particular, Mike adored his little dragons and was extremely proud helping women gain self confidence and learn self defense. To many, he become the father figure he never had but always craved. His accomplishments are many and include: 1972 Began martial arts training in Karate (Tang Soo Do) and Judo at Soon-Ho Changs School of Judo & Karate, Bethlehem PA. 1976 Graduated from Freedom High School and Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech 1978 - 1988 Instructor, Lehigh University Martial Arts/Taekwondo. 1984 Along with longtime friend Master Lee Arnold, founded Lehigh Valley Taekwondo in Bethlehem, PA. 1986 Ranked in the top ten at the U.S. National Championships. 1988 Opened Eastern Defensive Arts Academy in Quakertown. 1991 Recipient of Olympic Year 2000 Support Award and U.S. Team Trainer. USA vs. Chinese Taipei. 1992 Pennsylvania Coach, National Jr. Olympics. 1994 Pennsylvania State Team Forms Trainer and Taekwondo Recognition Award from Pohang City, S. Korea. 1994 to 1997 Vice President Elect of PA, State Taekwondo Association. 1995 Instructor of the Year. Martial Arts Professional Organization. 1997 Certified by NAPMA to teach Fitness Kickboxing. 1998 One of only a few non-Korean in the world to graduate from the elite World TKD Academys 1st Instructor Certification Program in Seoul, South Korea. International Instructors Certificate. 2001 Certified as instructor in the scenario based FAST Defense adrenal stress self-defense system. 2002 Held 1st National self-defense seminar for the top instructors from throughout the USA. Named as one of the leading programs in the nation. 2004 Featured on CNN Headline News-Comcast Newsmakers for teaching children bully resolution and adult abduction skills. 2005 Featured as Instructor of the Month by the International Fast Defense Association. 2006 Inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame as Master of the Year. 2011 Promoted to 6th degree black belt by 9th degree Grandmaster Lee, Moo-Yong. In addition to Taekwondo Michael loved gardening, photography, remodeling and astronomy. Survivors: Michael is survived by his mother, Dolores Snisky; and sister, Francine Snisky, both in Oregon; brother, Frank Snisky, and wife Patty in Bethlehem Township; three children, Steven, Taylor and Gabby; and wife, Sierra in Quakertown; nieces, Jacqueline Pope, Emily Snisky and Hailey Snisky; along with countless friends and extended family. From all who knew Mike, we would like to say: Mike, you are remembered and missed everyday for the amazing life you led and the magnificent person you were. Your generosity and dedication to the community, your children, your students, your family and your friends was endless. Your integrity and compassion in everything you did was admired and respected by all. Your perseverance and indomitable spirit allowed you to overcome many challenges in your life and to achieve success in everything you attempted to do. You have helped so many people in more than the art of Taekwondo but the art of living life completely~ teaching all to respect ourselves, others and to experience this fragile lifetime to the fullest. We love you and miss you each and every day. Mom and Fran Published by Morning Call on Oct. 21, 2012. |
