John Philip Sontag

Jack was born in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1933, and spent his early years moving between Berkeley, California, and Washington, DC. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at several posts, including the Army Language School in Monterey, California, where he learned Russian. He earned his doctorate from Harvard University in 1961 and continued postdoctoral work at Columbia University, living in different countries and working with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 1972, Jack returned to Berkeley to care for his ailing father, the renowned UC Berkeley history professor Raymond J. Sontag. In 1974, in what he described as “the best decision” he ever made, he married his beloved wife, Sheila, and they moved to Washington, DC, where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Jack was deeply devoted to his family and cherished the time they spent together. He and Sheila celebrated 51 years of marriage last September. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond J. Sontag, his mother, Dorothea Sontag, née Agar and brothers William and James Sontag. In addition to his wife, Sheila, he is survived by his daughter, Claire Sontag; his son, Raymond Sontag; his daughter-in-law, Meghan Sontag; his grandchildren, Jack and Thomas Sontag; his sister, Mary (“Molly”) Johnson and many grateful nieces and nephews.

Public-spirited and patriotic, Jack served his country in the Army and in the Civil Service for 42 years. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s call to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country,” he served with dedication in a variety of roles, ultimately as the Russia Division chief at the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research.

Jack was a gentle soul—kind, respectful, and attentive to all he encountered. He had a rare ability to see the good in everyone, and this gift remains his most enduring legacy. Whether speaking with colleagues, answering his grandsons’ questions, greeting a receptionist, or serving meals at the Catholic Worker, he made others feel seen, valued, and respected. Guided by his deep Catholic faith, he saw Christ in every person he met.

In his later years, when he was no longer able to attend Mass, Jack was deeply grateful for the Eucharistic ministers from Holy Trinity who brought him communion each week. His family is very grateful for the love, prayers, and support of friends and community that sustained and comforted him.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity in the Chapel of St. Ignatius on May 13 at 10:30 a.m. Jack will be laid to rest in Holy Rood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following: St. Anselm’s, Covenant House, Holy Trinity, or the DCPS Reading Clinic.