Obituary of George J. Somnitz

GEORGE J. SOMNITZ

George J. Somnitz, age 88, beloved husband of the late Jane A. Somnitz, formerly a resident of over 50 years of Avenue A in Melrose, peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by and in the loving comfort and care of his family in East Greenbush, NY on January 6^th, 2023.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late George John and Agnes (Koch) Somnitz. Attended both Cathedral Latin (Cleveland) and Charles F. Brush (Lyndhurst) high schools.

George was the beloved husband of Jane A. (Whittaker) Somnitz, whom he married on August 12, 1957, and celebrated their 61^st wedding anniversary a week prior to her passing.

Mr. Somnitz was a U.S. Navy veteran and received his Honorable Discharge, the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Occupation (Europe) Medal for his service from 1953 to 1957. As a Radarman second class (RD2) he served on the USSs Roanoke (CL-145), Bennington (CV-20), Los Angeles (CA-135), Cabot (CVL-28), and Valley Forge (CVS-45).

Mr. Somnitz attended Michigan Tech (1957-1960) in Houghton, MI on the GI Bill and completed his Bachelor’s degree at the top of his class in the Business School in Accounting.

Mr. Somnitz retired in 1989 following a dedicated career as an accountant/internal auditor with General Electric in Richland, WA, San Jose, CA, and GE Silicones in Waterford, NY.

Both George and Jane served as Co-Treasurers for both the Speiglaires and Avant Garde Drum & Bugle Corps. For many years, they were avid fans of the Hoosic Valley Girls & Boys Basketball teams. George was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan, his passion for which he shared with his family.  For 50 years, he was a communicant of Transfiguration Parish in Schaghticoke & Speigletown. A lover of knowledge and history, he was the Avenue A, Melrose Historian.

Devoted father of Robert (Lisa) Somnitz of Eugene, OR, Stephen (Kathrine) Somnitz of Eugene, OR, Kathleen (Dr. Michael) Gallichio of East Greenbush, NY, Jennifer Caim of Saratoga Springs, NY, John Somnitz of Saratoga Springs, NY, and (like a son) Daniel Scott Harrison of Glens Falls, NY. He was beloved brother of William (Sally) Somnitz of Kirtland, OH and brother-in-law of David "John" (Matalie) Whittaker of Mentor, OH. George was the cherished grandfather of Nicholas (Helena) and Geoffrey Somnitz; Nathan, Christopher, Kelsey and Shaw Somnitz; Alexandra Jane and Evelyn Caim; and Ronan Somnitz. Adoring great grandfather of Cecilia and Felicity Jane Somnitz.  Survived by several nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. He was recently predeceased by his sister, Sue Marie Somnitz of Lyndhurst, OH. 

George’s family would like to thank all the wonderful aides who have assisted with his care over several years, enabling George to continue to live at home (Andrea, Audrey, Dorothy, Merlene, Joneé, Michael, Tracee, and Valerie).   A special thank you to George’s Nurse Practitioners, Rhonda and Melanie, from SPHP Home Visiting Providers. Over the past 6 months, SPHP Hospice has been so very supportive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Transfiguration Parish (formerly St. Bonaventure’s Parish in Speigletown), 50 Hillview Drive, Troy, NY 12182.

Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Church that same morning from 10 a.m. to 11a.m.

Interment with military honors will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, NY following the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to honor George’s loving wife at the Jane A. Somnitz Memorial Scholarship, C/O Hoosic Valley Central School (HVCS), 2 Pleasant Avenue, Schaghticoke, NY 12154

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the White-Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 58 Leversee Rd. (RT-40 in Speigletown), Troy, New York 12182. Phone (518) 235-0952.

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