George Schak – A Rock & Roll Man Who Never Cut His Ponytail

George Schak was a rock and roller who never cut his ponytail, and spent 10 years traveling as sound and guitar tech for Aerosmith, ZZ Top & Led Zeppelin. A smart, funny, maddening man who loved life immensely; he passed away Wednesday at home in Branford, CT surrounded by family.

Early Life and Education

George Schak was born in New York City and raised in San Diego, California. His passion for rock & roll led him to spend 10 years touring as a guitar sound technician for Aerosmith, ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin as well as working at Conover Production Services doing sound for television and movie productions. George enjoyed live music, eating all cookies or Swedish fish candy he could get his hands on and spending time with friends; he was smart, funny and maddening all at once – but most of all loved him unconditionally!

He was a loving father to Jane Fahrenfeld and Kenneth M. and Marianne Schak and James, as well as being a beloved grandfather to nine. Predeceased by his parents and sister Mary Gumann, memorials may be made in his honor to Eastside Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD in lieu of flowers.

Professional Career

George Schak was an enthusiastic Rock & Roll enthusiast who played guitar in his younger days and loved to listen to good songs. He had an aptitude for technology as well as being well-read and witty; his love of stories often had people laughing out loud. During his professional career, George traveled extensively as a guitarist and sound tech for bands such as Aerosmith, ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin while enjoying time outdoors with family and friends. Aside from music, George also loved spending time outdoors enjoying nature’s beauty as well as spending quality time with family and friends.

Achievements and Honors

George was an enthusiastic rock and roll enthusiast who never cut his ponytail. He spent ten years traveling as sound and guitar tech for Aerosmith, ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin, enjoying live music; eating Swedish fish candy; watching car races on TV; and having strong opinions against Republicans and Donald Trump.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts, having spearheaded the establishment and operation of Village Theatre KidStage – a children’s theatre.

He serves as an honorary board member of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Art Museums and Harvard University Library. Additionally, he served as director and trustee for Roxbury Preparatory Charter School – one of America’s highest performing urban charter schools – and was a corps member with Teach For America.

Personal Life

On February 11, 2018, George tragically passed away after a valiant fight with cancer. Good news: He leaves behind his beloved wife of 34 years, Beverly (Schak) Gross; father George; sisters Janet (Gary) Sluzewski and Lori LeRoux; brothers Dale, Chad and Robert Gross; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. George was an incredibly kind and caring man who put his heart into everything he did. Throughout his brief career as a gynecologist, George worked long days and nights. After retirement, he and his wife moved to Rockledge, Florida and started a new chapter in their lives. Whether or not they stay put in Rockledge, Florida, George will be greatly missed by all who knew him. To honor his memory, please donate to your favorite charity.

Net Worth

George Schak was an iconic rock and roller who never cut his ponytail. For 10 years he traveled the world as a sound and guitar tech for Aerosmith, ZZ Top and Led Zeppelin. A real estate investor too, George owned an affordable housing project in Denver as well as CityPlex12 movie theatre in his hometown of Newark, NJ – estimated net worth $2.5 million. Additionally he owns O’Neal Group Investments which invests in real estate properties around the country.