John D. “Jack” Hontz
John D. “Jack” Hontz, of West Chester, music educator, church member and community servant, died suddenly Friday, June 23, 2017. He was 57 years old.
Through his music, education, church, sports and community service, Jack was given the rare opportunity to touch thousands of young lives.
Jack was a zealous music educator. A 1978 graduate of Newton High School in Newton, N.J., Jack earned his B.A. (Music Education) and M.A. (Music Performance) from West Chester University. For the past 34 years, Jack grew the Strath Haven High School bands and orchestra, touching the lives of generations of students. Jack was active in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, serving as District 12 President.
Jack was a 15-year volunteer to the Great Valley Little League, as assistant coach, coach and as President. His coaching of the 2014 All-Star Senior League Team, which included his youngest son, to the Pennsylvania State Championship, was a cherished memory.
Jack was a life-long, active and faithful servant of the United Methodist Church Jack was an active community servant and volunteer. He was a member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Media.
Jack was devoted to his family. He worked energetically with his beloved wife of 28 years, Cindy, in raising four children, Jack (25), David (22), Matthew (19) and Emily (16). He is also survived by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth Hontz; two brothers, David Hontz and his wife Donna, Mark Hontz and his wife Stephanie, all of Newton N.J.; and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 30 at the Strath Haven High School’s George H. Slick Auditorium, 205 South Providence Road, Wallingford, Pa. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 1 in the Grove United Methodist Church, 490 Boot Road, West Chester, Pa.. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the Hontz Family asks that friends consider making a contribution to the Hontz Family Education Fund C/O Bryn Mawr Trust, 849 Paoli Pike, West Chester PA 19380.
Arrangements by DellaVechia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. West Chester 610-696-1181 www.DellaFH.com