George J. Somnitz

Somnitz, George J.
MELROSE - George J. Somnitz, age 88, a former resident of Avenue A in Melrose for over 50 years, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by and in the loving comfort and care of his family in East Greenbush on January 6, 2023.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of the late George John and Agnes (Koch) Somnitz. He attended both Cathedral Latin School in Cleveland and Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. George served in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1957 as a radarman second class on the U.S.S. Roanoke CL-145, Bennington CV-20, Los Angeles CA-135, Cabot CVL-28, and Valley Forge CVS-45.
After his naval service, George married his beloved, Jane Ann (Whittaker) Somnitz in August 1957, before attending Michigan Tech from 1957-1960 in Houghton, Mich. He retired in 1989 following a dedicated career as an accountant and internal auditor with General Electric.
Along with his wife Jane, he was active with 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. For nearly 50 years, he was a communicant of Transfiguration Parish in Schaghticoke and Speigletown.
George was the devoted father of Robert (Lisa) Somnitz of Eugene, Ore., Stephen (Kathrine) Somnitz of Eugene, Ore., Kathleen (Dr. Michael) Gallichio of East Greenbush, Jennifer Caim of Saratoga Springs, John Somnitz of Saratoga Springs, and (like a son) Daniel Scott Harrison of Glens Falls. He was the beloved brother of William (Sally) Somnitz of Kirtland, Ohio and brother-in-law of David "John" (Matalie) Whittaker of Mentor, Ohio. 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; and adoring great-grandfather of Cecilia and Felicity Jane Somnitz. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. George was predeceased by his loving wife, Janey; and his sister, Sue Marie Somnitz of Lyndhurst, Ohio.
George's family would like to thank all of the wonderful aides who have assisted with his care over several years, enabling George to continue to live at home. The family appreciates the supportive care of SPHP Home Visiting Providers and Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. in the Transfiguration Parish (formerly St. Bonaventure's Parish in Speigletown), 50 Hillview Drive, Troy. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the church that same morning from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment with military honors will be held in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville 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 HVCS, 2 Pleasant Ave., Schaghticoke, NY, 12154.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the White-Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 58 Leversee Rd., Troy. Please express your condolences by visiting sanvidgefuneralhome.com.