BELLVILE: William “Bill” Frederick Unger, Jr., age 72, passed away in his home on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Bill was born in Cleveland on February 18, 1952 to parents William Unger, Sr. and Mildred Basista. He graduated from Eastlake North High School and attended the Mansfield branch of the Ohio State University before embarking upon a long career as a skilled welder for General Motors. On July 11, 1970, he married Deborah Hughes, with whom he enjoyed a beautiful union of 54 years. He retired in 2009 when the Ontario plant in which he worked closed its doors.
Bill is remembered by his loved ones for the goofy and childish personality which emerged in his grandchildren’s presence. Although stern but fair, his soft edges were never sharpened, and his love for the young people in his life always persevered.
When not honing his craft as a skilled tradesman at work or reveling in the joy of family, Bill found energy and reprieve in music. While he had a taste for many genres, his favorite was classic rock n’ roll. In particular, he enjoyed dropping the needle on the earth-shaking albums of The Who and Pink Floyd.
A man of many interests, Bill was also an aficionado of classic cars, specifically Fords. A Cleveland native, he was passionate about Cleveland sports and was a lifelong fan of the Browns and the Indians (Guardians). He would make his way back to the city when he was able to watch football and baseball games. His sons recall making the trek up to Cleveland to attend games with him, where he undoubtedly was overjoyed to share this passion with his children.
He is survived by his wife Deb, sons and daughters-in-law Bill (Jody) Unger III, and Garrett (Brooke) Unger; two granddaughters Amelia and Nora Unger; siblings Jim Unger, Eugene (Jackie) Unger, and Rick (JoAnn) Unger, and many nieces, nephews and extended family
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob (Kathy) Unger, sister Carol Flick, and sister-in-law Bev Unger.
Bill’s family invites loved ones to gather at Snyder Funeral Homes’ Bellville Butler Chapel on April 12, 2024 from 3 to 5pm for calling hours, followed by a service at 5pm.
In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations in Bill’s memory to the James Cancer Research Foundation or the Richland County Humane Society.
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyerfuneralhomes.com