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George Sternfels Obituary
George Snow Sternfels, of Gainesville, passed away in his home on February 1, 2011, after a long and good life. George was born in New York City during a blizzard on March 6, 1916 to Charles Dickens Sternfels and Fannie Lichtenstein. George was a World War II Veteran who landed in Normandy on D-Day. He received the Purple Heart Medal for injuries he sustained in battle. George married Norma Dennsion and they made their home in Hastings on the Hudson, New York. They retired to Gainesville in 1979 and fell in love with the community and the weather. George taught wine appreciation classes for Santa Fe Community College for twenty five years and did countless wine tastings to raise money for a number of charities.
George loved life and lived it fully. He attributed his long life to the love from his family, a glass of good red wine a day and his many friends and students.
George was predeceased by his wife, Norma and his son, Paul. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Sternfels of Bowdoinham, Maine; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Pasterdamp; granddaughter, Erin Sternfels of Putney, Vermont and nephew, Peter Sternfels of New Jersey.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 4:00pm at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd St. Those who wish may make a donation in his name to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32606, American Cancer Society, 2119 SW 16th St., Gainesville, FL 32608 or Alzheimer's Association, 988 Woodcock Rd., Ste. 200, Orlando, FL 32803-3715.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS WESTAREA
352-376-7556
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Memories and Condolences
for George Sternfels
Anglin Leona
January 31, 2024
You will always be remembered George for that special giving person. You definitely left an imprint on everyone you met.
Barrie
February 14, 2011
George taught more than tasting wine... He taught about tasting life and enjoying the moment. I look forward to drinking a glass with him again some day.
Sandy Brooks
February 13, 2011
George, it has taken this long for me to even accept you are gone. We have been friends for over 20 years. I loved pouring for your wine classes, the many laughs we had during those classes and the friends I made. I will forever cherish you and will see you one day again. I love you. Sandy Brooks
February 12, 2011
Taking George Sternfel's wine tasting class had been on my bucket list for a long time. Finally, a few years ago, my husband and I took George's class at the Melting Pot and what an adventure it was! George had a strong and passionate spirit. We learned much more than wine appreciation - we learned to embrace life and enjoy each moment. Thanks George - you will be missed!
Diana Davis
February 9, 2011
Georgie, hanging with you during Dancing With The Stars and pigging out is one of my fondest memories. I will miss your young at heart attitude. Dee Dee
Betsy Albury
February 9, 2011
Santa Fe College has been very lucky to have such a wonderful person and teacher share their knowledge and love of learning with the community for the past 25 years. George will truely be missed.
Leona Anglin
February 8, 2011
George will never be forgotten. What an amazing gentleman and a true friend. He will always be in my heart.
Cindy
February 7, 2011
Very sad news for Gainesville, FL. What an amazing man!
Daphna Ariel
February 7, 2011
George sure knew how to pour a Champage bottle with finesse. The last time we saw him was at the Melting pot, when he poured for us with elegeance.
George will be missed.
Mary Fleming
February 6, 2011
Please accept my sincerest condolences. My life was truly enriched by George's friendship. I first met him in one of his wine classes and never tired of taking them over and over again. His knowledge of wine was unquestionably extensive but his humor and spirit were priceless. I (along with many others, I'm sure) will always hold a special place in my heart for dear George.
February 6, 2011
My husband and I took two wine tasting classes with George a few years ago. He was such an admirable man, and seemed driven by his love of life to continue teaching and learning. He was such a role model for successful aging! My sympathy to his family.Kathleen M.
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