George Charles Unverzagt

George Charles Unverzagt, 97, passed away Sept. 3, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas.

He was born Jan. 17, 1926 in Cincinnati to George H. and Nettie Unverzagt née Wolfangel.

George was a natural musician from an early age, beginning violin studies at age 6. He enjoyed playing duets with his older sister Marian (Unverzagt) Johnson who played piano. In high school, George played in the orchestra and for the school's musicals. During this period, he began playing the trumpet and graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati in 1944. He also participated in the music program at his family's church, Clough Evangelical United Brethren Church in Cincinnati.

After college, George married Ellenor Ann née Whitaker, and they had two daughters, Janet and Carol. George completed his master's degree in music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 1954. He played in Charlie Kehrer's dance orchestra for gigs in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Illinois during the ’40s and ’50s.

During his career, he was the music band director at schools in Columbus, Ga.; Cincinnati, Ohio (Indian Hill); Bright Local School District and later in Greenfield Village School District, the latter two schools in Highland County, Ohio. He also played in off-Broadway shows that visited Ohio and as a strolling violinist with his second wife, Kathy Unverzagt née Zimmerlin.

George composed and arranged music and conducted the Fayette County Community Band in Washington Court House and Lehigh Community band in Lehigh Acres, Fla. Additionally, he was a model railroad enthusiast and amateur photographer.  

He is survived by daughters, Janet (Karl) Cline of South Carolina and Carol (George) Kimball of Florida; stepchildren, H.R. Core of Ohio, Dave Fabb of Ohio and Julia Fabb-Jordan of Georgia; grandsons, Christopher of North Carolina and David of Georgia, Belle Isle Scott Armstrong of California; four great-grandchildren; nephew, Robert Johnson of Ohio; niece, Ruth (Don) Coldwell of Ohio; and wife, Mary Alice Paz of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marian; and wife, Kathy.

George lived a long, full life of music and laughter.  Always a gentleman, he was much loved by those who knew him for the kind and gentle person he was. His music will be missed. Godspeed, George.