George William Unger Jr.

George was born on May 15, 1938 in Elmira, New York.

Growing up in nearby Dansville, he loved to sing and play trumpet, often performing in a small band and quartet. After graduation from Dansville High School, he obtained a business degree from Alfred State, and then served our country in the Army National Guard. He married Gloria Richards, the love of his life, in 1961.

George spent his early career as an assistant manager at W. T. Grant Co. department store. He then worked for 28 years at the Eastman Kodak Company, starting as a computer operator in the early days of computer systems, and advancing to manage a computer services department. He took advantage of an offer of early retirement at age 53. He was proud to say, “I’ve been retired longer than I ever worked”.

A devoted family man and wonderful provider, George moved his young family to Scottsville, New York, which allowed his girls the same carefree experience of growing up in a small town as he enjoyed as a youth.

He loved fishing, and watching sports, family vacations, and camping in Ontario, Canada. After retirement, he and Gloria moved part-time to spend their winters in sunny Florida, and their summers fishing on Black Lake, near Hammond, New York.

He will always be remembered for his deadpan wit, his kind, jolly nature, his infectious laugh, and his solidly good advice, otherwise known by his grandchildren as “Grandpa-isms”. A favorite one was, “If it hurts when you do that, don’t do that!”

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy Hadley Unger. He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Gloria; his three daughters, Charlene (Doug) Finn of New Port Richey, Florida, Debora (David) Burkard of Scottsville, New York, Karen (David) DeFilipps of McLean, Virginia; his grandchildren Jenna (Jesse) Merdak, Amanda (David) Chor, Joshua and Catherin DeFilipps; step-grandchildren Kinsey (Derek) Lynch, Ben (Sammi) Finn; his cousins Bill Unger and Tom (Candy) Unger and their children, Meredith and Tom; sisters-in-laws and their families; and many close friends and kind neighbors.

We would like to thank all who have supported him over the years. We are so grateful to his medical team, the Fresenius Kidney Clinic, and especially to Isabel Brower for her devoted and uplifting care throughout the last years of his life. A private celebration of his life will be planned in the future. He will rest in the Clearview Cemetery in North Cohocton, New York.

George lived a wonderful life, for which we are so thankful. He will be greatly missed. We would appreciate any special memories of George that you would care to share.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Black Lake Association 3788 County Route 6, Hammond, NY 13646.