I've known Gene for fifty years as both a customer and employee and friend. The whole time, he was very kind, generous and understanding. I was very sad to hear that he had passed, but he lived a full life . God bless him and his family

John and Mary Susan Riley

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gene's family. I hope good memories of times shared together bring you all comfort during this difficult time. Personally I have fond memories of Gene and his constant hospitality. I remember meeting him at Chick Fil A in the Granite Run Mall before catching up with him at the one in Springfield. My Dad, John Riley, joined his staff there for many years and also enjoyed his talks w Gene. He was always supportive of my family and I. For example, he came to my son's baptism and gave donations to my son's school fundraisers. He would always smile and say anything for your family, not accepting anything in return. Gene will definitely be missed however is truly unforgettable!

I started working at CFA soon before he passed, and I only met him a few times when I was in training. I've been working for 4 months now, and I miss his fistbumps.

To the Ontjes Family, I used to work at Gimbels & then Sterns at the Granite Run Mall. I always had my lunch at Chick Fil La, Your Dad always tried to recruit me to give out samples, but due to working & family there was never time. He was the nicest person and always pleasant to everyone. Your Sons played baseball at Aston-Middletown with our oldest. My family is so sorry for your loss of a personable caring Man. Ruth & Doug Soule & Family of Aston,Pa.

Rest in peace, Mr. Ontjes. What an incredible life and legacy.

Regina and family,

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We were a part of the Chick-fil-A family when you were an outstanding staff member. We were there when you came to the next seminar as Mrs. Gene Ontjes. Together you made Chick-fil-A a name of quality in your area. Gene was the "right" man for the job when Chick-fil-A was not well known and he was the "right" man to grow Chick-fil-A for another fifty years. I can say that Gene repesented Our Lord and Savior and Truett Cathy well in all that he did.

In 2006 I received a phonecall from Gene. He was going to lead a Chick-fil-A group to Jordan to present the "SERVE MODEL" and he was inviting me. He stated that I had put my name on a list that I would be willing to travel to foreign countries presenting Christ and Chick-fil-A when the opportunity was made available. If I had done that I did not remember it. I told him that I did not have any desire to go. After a day or two I began to question how my name was on the list. If I did not do it, then who. I believe that God could easily do that. I called Gene back and said that I was ready to go. Our son was preparing to go to China for school and mission work and I think the Lord wanted me to go also. Because of Gene's call, Sharon and I made 15 total international trips. On one trip to China, I had the opportunity to share with our son's graduate class. Thank to Gene for putting the challenge in front of me. Thank you Regina for allowing him to go. I am sure that Gene heard "well done" as he entered Heaven's Gate.

Richard and Sharon Parkman

I send my sincere condolences to Mrs. Regina, Brandon and Jason. Gene took a chance on a young teenage mother in 1993 and hired me! I spent four wonderful years at Chick-fil-A under his leadership. He taught me so much in those four years - about faith, integrity, work ethic and giving great customer service. I remember him picking me up to bring me to work because it was snowing, the mall was open and the buses were not running on their regular schedule.

He made sure that I received the amount of hours needed to work to receive a scholarship for college. Members of my high school class still speak of when he came to our class's awards ceremony. He gifted everyone in my class with two free CFA sandwich coupons! It may seem like a small gesture to some; but, it impacted an entire class. I am the manager I am today because of his influence! His words and example have stayed with me all of these years.

He was truly a man of God. I thank God that our paths crossed back in 1993 - it was divine intervention! What an impact you made on this world Gene! We thank God for your life.

Sandy Henry-Carr

Our Deepest Condolences to the Entire Family. May God continue to bless your Soul and make progress into the Spiritual Realms of the Beloved.

Blessed Transition, my Friend- Gene .

Regina, Brandon, Jason and family, Please accept my deepest condolences for your tremendous loss.

When I learned of Gene’s passing I was deeply shocked and saddened. A feeling that I’d lost not a former boss but a brother. I worked for Gene at Granite Run in 80’s-90’s heyday. Lots of hard work, fun, stress and a lifetime of great memories. Gene was an amazing Godly man who knew how to run a successful business. Whether it was serving little known Chick-fil-A sandwiches to hundreds of Extras on the 1990 Rocky 5 Movie set in the Philadelphia Civic Center or being one of the first CFA stores to do lunch catering sandwiches to local schools with the Rose Tree Media being first as I recall. I think of Gene and I wonder just how many thousands of local people he has employed over the past 50 plus years. Gene never judged a person from their past or social status. He’d often talk about growing up poor and how that shaped him. I saw a man willing to work hard to accomplish great things while helping others along the way. Whether you were a 15 year old from the housing projects of Chester, a 75 year old retired from Scott paper, an adult student at Elwyn Institute no one else would hire, a stay at home mom getting back into the workforce, a single mom needing a first or second job or a man down on his luck…if you were willing to work Gene gave you the opportunity to better yourself.

He truly was an amazing man and his life embodied the proclamation of “Well done thy good and faithful servant”.

Now, let’s just hope he’s not trying to hand out CFA nugget samples as people pass through the pearly gates…but I wouldn’t put it past him. ❤️

Love, Susan DiBona

Dear Regina, so sorry for your loss.. Gene was so upbeat, sincere and with sharp sense of humour! Always ready to help and give wise advice. His life story will always inspire me!

Gene was a one of a kind gentleman. We are so grateful to have met him 17 years ago at Chick-Fil-A. We will always remember his kindness, generosity, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. We were happy to call him Friend and will miss seeing his welcoming and smiling face. May his family find comfort in the beautiful memories he created for so many.

Gene Ontjes lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and quiet leadership. He was a devoted Christian, a servant-hearted entrepreneur, and a gentle mentor who treated everyone with respect and grace. Through his decades of work with Chick-fil-A and his service as a SERVE leadership coach, Gene impacted countless lives by integrating faith, integrity, and business.

Though I mourn his sudden passing, I rejoice in the assurance that Gene has finished his race and is now at peace with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His legacy of love, generosity, and faithful service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Regina, Brandon, Jason and families, I am so truly sorry for your loss of Gene.

From the time I walked into Chick-fil-A Granite Run Mall over 40 years ago being interviewed and hired on the spot has been so incredible. I learned so much from one of the most honest, kindest, fairest men I’ve ever known. I am so blessed to have had that opportunity. Gene will be so missed. So happy to have all the memories from over the years!

My thoughts and prayers are with you all

Love, Marsha

Dear Mrs. Ontjes and Jason,

We write this letter with immense sadness and heavy hearts to express our deepest condolences on the sudden passing of your beloved Gene. The news of his fatal accident has brought profound grief to all of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

Gene was not just a colleague; he was a treasured friend and a faithful partner in ministry. On behalf of the entire Excelsis Ministry, we extend our sorrow and prayers to you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.

We will forever cherish Gene’s contributions to our joint mission of training Christian entrepreneurs in China. As a seasoned International Trainer with Chick-fil-A, Gene brought a unique blend of corporate wisdom and spiritual grace to our leadership programs. His insights were invaluable, and his dedication to serving the Lord through business ministry was an inspiration to every participant.

We recall Gene as a truly remarkable gentleman—a man of great kindness, profound wisdom, and an unwavering gentle spirit (He was so nice and gentle). He approached every conversation and every person with respect and genuine warmth. His seven decades of life were a testament to a life well-lived, marked by generosity and grace.

Though our hearts are heavy with the pain of his absence, we find comfort in our shared Christian faith. We know that Gene has finished his race, kept the faith, and is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We cling to the hope of the resurrection, knowing that his joy is now complete.

The legacy Gene leaves behind—both professionally and spiritually—will continue to impact the lives of countless leaders in China and around the world.

Please know that you are not alone in your sorrow. The Excelsis community is praying for you, asking God to wrap you in His peace and comfort in the days, weeks, and months ahead. May the love of Christ sustain you.

With heartfelt sympathy and in Christ,

Dr. Jerry Yu

President of Excelsis Leadership International

https://home.excelsis.online/

Such fond memories going back to Gene's early 20's. A man of character and conviction.

Regina, Brandon, and Jason,

A great man has left this earth but will forever be in our hearts.

May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief.

Our sincere condolences

Toyge, Kelly, and Lillian Davis

Dear Regina, Brandon and Jason...So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed and shared not only many chicken nuggets with Gene but many nuggets of laughs and life with him as well. My condolences to all.

I’m so sorry for your loss. Gene was gifted with telling amazing stories to me but, there was always a lesson in the end. Always asked about my family at every visit. And before he left the office , always reached in his wallet to hand out CHICK-Fil-A voucher cards . Beautiful man . Beautiful soul . Forever grateful to have known him . Prayers for everyone . Laurie Stipa

My best friend through thick and thin for sixty years. You will be sorely missed.

Ted Papit

Sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I met Gene 50 years ago when he was my first ever boss. I learned a lot from him. I now live in California. Through the years I stopped in and said hello. Gene also treated me and my family like family. He will be truly missed.

Regina

We are so sorry for your loss. All the tears that you served as a fabulous voice coached for Rianna, it was clear what a wonderful marriage you had. We are sending prayers that his memory will be a blessing to you and your family. A life partner like him is truly a gift. You gave our deepest sympathies. Jackie, David, Chris and Rianna Black

Our sympathy to the family as they will surely miss his presence. But all of you can rest in the Lord's comfort knowing Gene is in heaven with his heavenly Father.

So sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. I will share one small memory that may seem small but it had such a huge impact on my life. I met Gene my freshman year of college. We were at a party swimming and to my shame I could not tread water. It was a great source of embarrassment to me. Gene acted like it was nothing to be embarrassed about and it was really a very simple thing to learn. He demonstrated the technique with a simple explanation and I could instantly tread water. My fear of water disappeared and I have enjoyed a lifetime of water sports thanks in no small part to Gene’s patience and skill as a teacher. He was a great friend, to many wonderful memories to mention here. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. May he rest in peace. Paul Stutzman

We are so sorry to hear this news. Gene was a great person and his dedication to his work will echo in the lives of so many people. My husband Steve and I worked for Gene at his Springfield location. We are so thankful for our experience there. We are keeping your family in prayer.

Regina and family. Phillip and I are so sad to hear of Gene’s passing. Our thoughts, love and prayers are with you. He was always so kind. I loved visiting him hearing his stories of the early years and the history of Chick-fil-A. He was a great mentor to me during our trip to Peru and really taught me the importance of the word AND when I thought of results and relationships. I will never forget that . We love you Phillip and Priscilla Mendoza.

Regina and family. It was so sad to read this news!!! Gene was a wonderful man, and I enjoyed working for him as his marketing director at concord mall and granite run mall!! I know he will be missed greatly! Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers!!! Laura bluder d'orazio cooper

Regina, I am so sorry for your loss. I have followed you on Facebook, and know that you had a wonderful marriage and partner. Please accept my condolences .

Vicki Childers Mason

Regina, Brandon, and Jason. I'm so sorry for your loss. Gene was a force with his ever present smile, generosity, and stories for days. He was so welcoming and made you feel like a friend at first meeting. He was definitely one of a kind and I know he will be missed. Praying for your grief and that God will wrap his arms around the three of you during this time.

I work for him for long time since granite run open ,he good guy/ leadership

I am so saddened to hear this news. Loved the years I worked for Gene at Granite Run Mall. He was such a generous and kind employer, and I have wonderful memories of those years. Love, hugs and prayers to the entire family.

Gene Ontjes was a Fine Man, as fine a man as many / most of us will meet and come to know, and I'll miss Gene. My wife Sandi and I send our Prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding to Regina and his family.

A late former member of Brandywine, John Wheeler, brought Gene and me together about 25 years or so ago, and we have known and regularly encountered each other since, particularly the last 12-15 years since Sandi and I began attending Brandywine and joined the church.

As a Greeter at Brandywine for over a decade, I have warm memories of Gene coming out from a service, and standing right next to me, sometimes right behind, regularly and often at the Church's entrance, lending a quiet presence that brought love, caring and warmth.

Too, as Entrepreneurs, Gene and I -- often along with our good mutual friend Brett Dorsch -- would talk business, life and more. Brett and I visited Gene together, just a day or so before he fell into a coma from his injuries, and it was a long and warm meeting.

Our condolences to the entire loving Ontjes Family, with the confidence that we'll meet Gene again with our Savior. RIP, Gene!

I’m so saddened to hear this,Gene was a great person and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dear Ontjes family,

I am deeply saddened to hear of Gene's passing, and I wanted to share how much he truly meant to me.

When I joined Chick-fil-A’s leadership program, I was a bit lost—new to the U.S. and unsure of what I wanted to do with my career. Gene was the person who first inspired me to become a Chick-fil-A Operator. I knew it from the day I met him in May 2022. Through him, I saw what it looks like to lead with humility, care, and excellence. The way he loved his team and guests has shaped the kind of leader and person I strive to be every day.

I will always be grateful for his guidance, his encouragement, and the time he invested in me. We spoke regularly, and he had a huge impact on my life—both personally and professionally. That impact will continue far into the future, and I know I am just one of many people he influenced in this way.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I hope it brings some comfort to know that his legacy lives on in the people he believed in and developed.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Issac Solomon