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Joe Unger Obituary
May 4, 1934 - May 6, 2021
Miami, Florida - We mourn the passing of Joe Norman Unger, husband, father and grandfather extraordinaire. Survived by his bride of 66 years Marcia Frankel Unger; daughters Marilyn Richman (Randy Richman); Judy Kettler (Fred Kettler) and Ellen Bookman (Lee Bookman); five grandchildren Zachary, Erin, Mia, Noah, and Emma; his brother in law Ted Frankel and his godson and doctor, Josh Harris.
Joe started life in New York, and at the age of seven moved to Atlanta. He graduated from Druid Hills High School at 15 going on to graduate from Emory University. Marcia and Joe moved to Miami in 1958 where Joe attended University of Miami Law School.
Joe always had a story to tell & a book to recommend. His love for travel brought him to the far corners of the world, but his happy place was Israel. Whether leading students on 12 March of the Living programs, buying plants or serving as a volunteer in the Israel Defense Forces, Joe was passionate about everything he did.
Joe and his bride "Masha Dahlin" met when they were 12 and together, they travelled the world with lifelong friends known as the Fun Club.
Practicing appellate law for 61 years, Joe served in leadership positions in his legal and philanthropic involvements in the Jewish community.
A full life lived with curiosity, integrity and compassion, Joe left his mark on this world.
The funeral will be held on Friday, May 7th, 11 am at Mount Nebo Miami Memorial Gardens. 5505 NW 3rd Street, Miami, FL 33126. 305-261-7612.
Donations in Joe's memory may be made to CAJE-Miami's Leo Martin March of the Living, online at https://caje-miami.org/donate/miamimotl/; or, CAJE-Miami's Leo Martin March of the Living, 4200 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33137.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Unger
Jo Ann Knapp
December 19, 2021
Jo Ann Knapp
December 19, 2021
Jo Ann Knapp
December 19, 2021
"A full life lived with curiosity, integrity and compassion, Joe left his mark on this world."
"Wonderful, kind, generous person. Always willing to help and advise. He was a gift to us all."
I am blessed and honored to have known Joe's lovely spirit through our work in the mediation program at the U.S. Court of Appeals. Though I was in Atlanta and he in Miami, we had many occasions to be together in Atlanta over the years. Especially precious memories of mine are his kind and nourishing "hello" and "goodbye" kisses and hugs. One of the most transformative forms of Joe's spirituality was his communication, in its most sincerest semblance - the intimate bravery of letting himself be seen, of connecting with his fellow human beings with the vulnerability necessary for openhearted living.
Thank you for everything, dear Joe.
My condolence to the Unger family.
Julie Drucker
May 9, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. As my father's mentor, I first heard about Joe as a young child. I saw him in court when he argued an appellate case for my father. He attended my special Bat Mitzvah. I had the privilege of teaching his grand children in Hebrew school. I was lucky enough to form my own personal relationship with him while teaching in the Jewish community and practicing law in Miami. I am honored to have known a major his stature. I feel blessed to have him call me friend. My condolences to his entire family. Sincerely. Julie and Andy Drucker
Jeffrey Alman
May 9, 2021
Dear M, J & E
So sorry for your loss. Very fond memories of your Dad. He was always very kind to me and many laughs around your kitchen table. Alev hasholem. Jeff Alman
PAM WOLFF
May 9, 2021
marilyn,
i am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. know that i have you and your whole family in my thoughts.
love you,
~pam
Susan and Paul Fletcher
May 7, 2021
We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to the Unger family....
Bernard Siegel
May 7, 2021
Joe Unger taught my 1L class on legal research at University of Miami way back in 1972! He was a wonderful teacher and a hugely respected figure in the legal community. My condolences to the family.
Ware Cornell
May 7, 2021
Joe was a wonderful mediator, whom I have missed greatly since his retirement. He was always generous with his experience and time. Just knowing Joe was a privilege.
Andrew Needle
May 7, 2021
Wonderful, kind, generous person. Always willing to help and advise. He was a gift to us all.
Mel Mann
May 7, 2021
I am deeply saddened to say goodbye to our friend Joe Unger. For many years he was a valued mentor and dear friend as we led the March of the Living trips to Poland & Israel. We often joked that he was the oldest bus captain on any March of the Living trip - but you would never know it buy his boundless energy & spirit. Aside from being "a lawyer's lawyer" as he trained other attorneys to become mediators, he was a master teacher of holocaust studies and Joe's influence on countless students over the years is immeasurable. He gave dignity and honor to Holocaust survivors and spoke for those who could not speak. Never one to shy away from expressing his opinions, but he did so with grace and kindness. It was a great privilege to be his friend, and he will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to Marcia and to the Unger family - may his memory be a blessing for all.
Judy and Kenny Goldman
May 6, 2021
What a blessing it was when Josh met Joe on the March of the Living! Joe and Marcia immediately became part of our family. It was as if we had always known them. There are people in life that stand out more than others. That was Joe! His warmth and kindness were without compare! Thank you for sharing your beloved Father and Grandfather with us! May Joe’s memory be a blessing for all who had the honor of knowing him and loving him!
The Harris and Goldman family
Gary Canner
May 6, 2021
Joe was my federal mediator colleague at the U S circuit court of Appeals, Miami office. He was a lawyers lawyer and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by all.
Gary and Joan Canner, Leesburg, FL
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