I worked for George at Centerville Schools for 12 years and I can honestly say he was the most caring and compassionate boss I have ever had. He was such a pleasure to work for and will be missed by many people. God bless you George

My thoughts and prayers are with you  and your family.  Love, Dorothy Rowe and Clay

After hearing of George's passing, a flood of memories rushed through my mind. I spent 11 yrs working for George as a mechanic in Centerville's Transportation Department. His career started when he began turning wrenches as a young boy and he clearly had a soft spot and sense of respect for the guys getting dirty under those buses. The stories he shared with me over the years will be cherished forever. They are like stories and memories from the grandpa I never had. 

A man can usually look back at his life and name one or two influential mentors they encountered along the way. I am certainly blessed to have crossed paths with George on my journey through life. I have never met a man with more love for his wife, father in his eyes, passion for his work, character in his ways and honor in his heart. 

When I asked his advice after hesitantly telling him I was taking a promotional opportunity with another employer he said "Dan, don't ever look back". Well, George, today I cannot help but to look back with heartfelt thanks for the time I was so fortunate to be able to spend with you. 

My thoughts and prayers are with Barb and the rest of George's family. 

On behalf of the entire Centerville Band Family, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences. George was a kind and fair man, and he always made sure to take care of the band anytime we traveled anywhere. I remember having phone calls with him at all hours of the day, and even in many in the middle of the night, and he was always "on call". He always put the safety of the students and staff first, and that was always noticed and appreciated. His professionalism and dedication to his job was truly inspirational, and he will be missed by many!

With love and respect,
Brandon Barrometti
Band Director, Centerville High School

The Centerville community lost a great one!  I teach at the HS and over the years have taken many "adventurous" field trips and many times Mr. Sontag (or "Yes Sir") got us out of a snag, or was very patient and trusting, especially that time we took a group of students and ended up camping in a blizzard.  I remember the first time he called me back to his office, the piles of notes and papers on his desk but of course he knew where everything went.  Many stories of traveling the country with his wife were told over that pile of papers.  He loved what he did and the people who worked for him.  He will be truly missed.  Prayers to the family!

I lasted three years in retirement before the need to have a meaningful structure to my day surfaced. Someone suggested I should drive a school bus and the person I needed to see was George Sontag at Centerville Transportation to see if I could qualify. 

George reviewed my application and called me back for an interview. In my previous life, I had the same levels of responsibility as George and was used to sitting on his side of the interview. I was in unfamiliar territory.

The interview started with George holding a fist full of my application data, and looking over the top of his glasses at me. You have a heavy foot he stated.  I was taken aback. This guy had gone back 11 years and found a speeding citation for 42 in a 35 zone. I remember thinking that George is really serious about doing his job.

The rest of the interview went well and he hired me on the spot. In closing, he stated you got your last citation for 7 over. You only get 5 over here before we have a problem. Are we good? Yes, we were good and so was George. I took an instant liking to the man. 

There is only seven years difference in our ages and we grew up in the same era. There was an easiness that we shared with each other because of that.

 Occasionally, if time allowed, I would spend time with George just chatting. He related that his first date with Barbara was a blind date in 1955 I think and he took her to the Indy 500.  I said "Damn George, those races back then took 8 hours or more. I'm amazed she came back for another date." Well, obviously she did. 

I think that Barb recognized way back in 1955 the same thing that I did soon after meeting him in 2015. George Sontag was a special guy. It didn't take long to see it if you were paying attention. 

I am going to miss George but I will see him again.  When I do, I'm going to wink at him and say "Damn George, the Indy 500 for your first date?" 

With sincere sympathy to Barbara and the children.
Dave Yost Bus #96

 

It was terribly sad to hear of George's passing today. I worked with George for 8 years in transportation. We spent long hours side by side and I couldn't have asked for a better man to work with. He always had a smile and a pleasant greating for me. He had wonderful knowledge of many things and I learned so much. I loved to hear his stories about so many different things. He was such a pleasure to be around and I would jump at the chance to do whatever he might need done. I got to meet and know some of his family, especially his son George who is a good man as well. Since his retirement he and I would call each other on birthdays and catch up. You will be greatly missed by many George but especially by me. I know God is enjoying your many stories. Many condolences to the Sontag family.
Mike Dolan

I was so saddened to hear of George's passing this morning.   I was a principal in Centerville when George was the Transportation Supervisor.  I remember calling him many times during the years to make a transportation accommodation for a student, to provide buses for a special field trip on short notice and many other needs.  George never complained and always seemed to make requests possible.  We knew we could always count on him.  He was a very kind, hard working and giving man who will be missed by many.

You will be missed  so much, you showed much care and compassion in your daily life.  I loved having  the opportunity to know you through our membership in the Ohio Association for Pupil Transportation.  You were  a founding member and an advocate for all of us to emulate.  Thank you for you mentorship. 
God's Blessings for your family and all who knew you.  


OBITUARY

George Russell Sontag Jr.

22 March, 1939 – 15 November, 2020

Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel

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