Wallace D. Sontag

Wallace D. Sontag Longtime Musician, World War II Vet; 92 Fitchburg Wallace D. Sontag, 92 years old, of Fitchburg, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Highlands in Fitchburg. Wally was born in Fitchburg on October 25, 1916, the son of Frederick and Emma (Niles) Sontag and was a lifelong resident of Fitchburg. He was a veteran of World War II, was stationed at Grenier Field, Manchester, NH and served in the 578th Army Air Force Band. He was later deployed to the Phillipines. He worked at Hedstrom Union for 26 years, and then at Harrington Richardson in Gardner until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of St. Joseph Church. Wally was a musician for most of his life, playing guitar, violin, base drum, electric bass, bass fiddle, and he also wrote music. He met his wife, Arlene Theriault, playing music with the Ray Little Band. He was known as "String Bean Wally" and she as "Yodeling Arlene". The family had a musical act and performed throughout the area for several years, including the St. Joseph's Variety Show. He was one of the founders of the "Sunny Siders" band later on "The Originals" band, performing at weddings, anniversary parties and other functions. Wally leaves his wife of 66 years, Arlene M (Theriault) Sontag. They were married October 3, 1942. He also leaves his children, Richard G. Sontag and his wife Donna of Leominster, Sandra A. Champa and her husband Anthony of Fitchburg, Darlene J. Hussey and her husband John of Townsend and Pamela J. Sontag of Fitchburg and her friend Richard A. Woods of Lunenburg; his siblings, Fred Sontag and his wife Martha of Valley Stream, NY, Russell Sontag and his wife Gloria of Fitchburg, Beatrice Gagne of Orlando, FL and his sister-in-law Louise Sontag of Fitchburg; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His brother, Raymond Sontag sister, Agnes Sontag and brother-in-law, Arthur "Ted" Gagne, predeceased him. SONTAG The family would like to thank the caring, professional staff at The Highlands for the compassionate care. Funeral Services with Military Honors for Wally will be held Thursday, December 11 at 10am at St. Joseph Church, Fitchburg. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, Fitchburg. Calling Hours will be Wednesday, December 10 from 4-7pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd, Fitchburg. Flowers may be sent, or donations made to the Boston Live Charity Fund, Inc., 310 Centre St #3, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, a charity that helps students and schools start and fund music programs.