John "Jack" Hontz

Message from Usha from Grove

My deepest sympathy to Cindy, their 4 children and family over the passing of Jack. I didn't know Jack well, but he always greeted me with a big smile and warm hello at church each week. He will be missed by many. My prayers to the family.

A candle was lit by Holts, parents of SHHS alumnae Lydia '01 & Jana '04 on June 30, 2017 11:01 PM

Message from Roger, Liz and Audra Morgan

Our deepest sympathy to Cindy, Jack Jr., David, Matthew, Emily, Jack's parents and siblings, and extended family. We first heard of Jack's work at WSSD after moving to Wallingford and hearing the marching band practice in the evening! As Audra (SHHS Class of 2017) came up through the WSSD music program, she had Jack for clarinet lessons during repeated summer band camps and I also played a few concerts as part of the community/student summer concert band and always enjoyed playing under Jack's baton. Liz, Audra and I are still in shock at this loss, but we know that Jack's gifts will live on forever.

Message from Leslie Burnick

My deepest condolences go out to Cindy and her four children on Jack's passing. He had a tremendous influence on many,many musicians in the Chester County Concert Band. I always enjoyed his stories, sense of humor, and musianship. He will be missed.

Message from Donna Rieman

Great man. We mourn with you. My heart goes out to Cindy, their children, his parents and siblings.
Donna R. SHHS Band parent
2007-10.

A candle was lit by Richard and Susan Herman parents of Everett Class'99 on June 28, 2017 11:04 AM

Message from The Rhoads Family

To the entire Hontz family we are so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. Jack was one of a kind and he will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him. His big baritone voice was only second to his big heart. Whether it was on the field leading the band or on the field coaching the team Jack was responsible for making more young peoples lives richer and more fun filled than anyone I know. We are all better off to have known Jack Hontz.

A candle was lit by Stephanie Schaefer on June 27, 2017 12:20 PM

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My heart is so saddened to learn of the sudden passing of one of the most talent musicians and educators ever- Mr. Hontz. My prayers are with you all during this difficult time. ("When my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the rock that is higher than I." -Psalm 61:2) As a student of his, I'll never forget how patient Mr. Hontz was with me (as busy as he was) from the young kid from another district attending his Summer Band program (w/my big cousin Shannon Grassano) to the official SHHS student (who transferred in for the music education from him.) When I would be hard on myself he always helped me down from that and reminded me to enjoy the music. So thankful I grew up with such a pillar of inspiration all those years. He was the magnet that brought everyone together from football players to band geeks; Everyone wanted to be apart of the magic of the music department under the direction of one of the most talented musicians to ever pick up the licorice stick. Tonight, I shall play my clarinet (that he helped my family pick out for me and he played on a few occasions) once more in honor of Hontz. His legacy spreads far and wide. May you spend eternity playing in the angels symphony.

All my love,
Stephanie Schaefer

Message from Elizabeth McCabe

Cindy,

I am so , so sorry for the loss of your husband
My condolences to you and your family

A candle was lit by Elizabeth McCabe on June 27, 2017 10:26 AM

Message from David Thom

Thank you so much Jack, for everything you did for your friends at Princeton. Although I played percussion in high school concert bands in Canada, I had never joined in the very American activity of marching bands. But when I walked into my first rehearsal as a freshman, Jack immediately made me feel welcome and by the end of four years I had played every drum in the place. (As had Jack Jr, who as a toddler often came by the drum section to bang away.)

It was always a special treat to return to Princeton for a football or basketball game, even 20 years later, and be immediately recognized by Jack. His enthusiasm for the combination of sports and music was infectious, and we were all the better for it.

My deepest sympathies to the family.

Message from Julie Brosius

To the whole Hontz family, I was saddened to hear of Jack's passing. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and friend. He was such a happy and friendly guy with an incredible beautiful family. My heart goes out to you all.