George Schak

1953 - 2022

George Schak
September 8, 1953 - January 19, 2022
George Schak, 68, son of the late Florence Swan and Edward Schak, died on Wednesday at his home in Branford, CT. The cause was Life.
He was born in New York City and raised in San Diego, California, where he learned to love Rock & Roll. After college, he spent more than a decade on the road, traveling the country as a guitar and sound technician for bands, primarily Aerosmith, but including ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin. After leaving the road, he worked for Conover Production Services, doing sound for television and movie productions. Most recently he worked for Mohegan Sun Casino's entertainment division. But his heart was always with the road, and he never cut his ponytail.
George collected guitars and rugs, and for a time, motorcycles. He loved live music; his cat Newman and the horse he refused to name; eating every single cookie or Swedish fish candy in the house; watching car races on television; railing against Republicans and Donald Trump; and the many friendships he forged on the road and in recovery. George studied electronics, but couldn't master his Mac. He could make conversation with anyone from executives to the homeless, and he had an endless supply of stories. He was smart and funny and maddening - and loved.
He is survived by his brother, John Schak, of New York City, his nephew, Joseph Schak and fiancée Lori LeRoux, and their children Joseph Jr., Kailey Marie, and Dylan. He was predeceased by his sister, Rita Schak.
A memorial evening will be planned at Café Nine in New Haven, hosted by pubmaster and longtime friend, Paul Mayer, Bob Conover, and Patty McQueen. Disco will not be played. Date to be announced. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com.