John E. Unger

I remember Coach Unger and went to school with his sister, Heidi. So very sorry to hear of this loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

News travels slowly but is no less sad. I had the honor of knowing John in his high school days and lost track until late last year.
It is with much sorrow I heard of his passing. He will always be a part of many of our lives.

I had the priviledge of being John's backup for three seasons at SU; he was the best all around player I've ever played with. More importantly he was a friend and a great guy. The wonderful comments I've read let me know that he continued to be that same wonderful human being throughout life. Nothing is more important to a person's legacy than to know that they made a positive, impactful difference during their life; John's legacy is a testament to that.
Jay Halprin, SU '71

All these entries pay such homage to a great man and to a life well-lived. We met John back in freshman year of college through Barbara, (my college roommate) and loved him immediately...his smile, his laughter, his zest for life, his gentle soul. Those feelings only grew throughout the years. These two "Bronx" friends are better for having known him; he will always have a special place in our hearts.

Barbara & Bill Foley
Mt. Vernon, NY

Two vivid memories of John. Spring '67: John dug in at the batter's box. I threw him a curve ball on the inside corner, he cranked on it...and it landed over the fence in the Elden Elementary School parking lot...about 10 feet foul. Two years later, John, Dave Stone, Jim Goulet, and I played cards on the 14th Floor lounge of Lawrinson Hall at S.U (after completing our studying.) Off and on, we'd play cards for the next two years.
I'm a better person for having known John. Our prayers are...

Coach Unger you will be missed. I can still remember coach Ungers voice so vividly during basketball practice and games as if it were yesterday. He called me CAMPY !!!! Rest in peace Coach. Class of 1981

I am very sorry to hear about John. I played on a Moose club all star team with John in 1960 and he hit the longest home run I've ever seen a 12 year old hit. Then we got reaquainted in the 1990's sitting next to each other at SU football games.

Tony DiNardo

To the Unger family, my sincere condolences to all of you at this time. Mr. Unger was a basketball and baseball coach to me, but also a great mentor and friend. He will be missed. Coach rest in peace. Northmen Class of 1978.

To the Unger family -- John and I go back to when he played hoops at NS (I was at B'ville). I covered high school sports for the HJ for years and loved covering NS games when John coached. We ran into each other at basketball camps, too. He was a genuine guy -- big and growly with a huge heart. I cherish the laughs we had together.