Robert Fredrick Unangst

Unangst, Robert Fredrick

Ocala, FL: Robert Fredrick Unangst passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2015. Born August 2, 1923 in Syracuse, NY, he was the only child of Robert Alvin and Wilhelmina (Fenn) Unangst. Bob graduated from Marathon Central School and a short time later met his true love Ernestyne Jeffrey. Bob graduated as an army air corps pilot on November 3rd, 1943 and four days later Bob and Ernie were married. After gunnery school, Bob was assigned to Raydon, England with the 353rd Fighter Group. He returned home on November 3rd, 1944 to his wife and new son, Robert Jr. Embarking on a military life, the family moved to eight different bases and Bob flew everything from open cockpit bi-planes to a wide assortment of single engine fighters and helicopter training. After being stationed in Nome, Alaska for eight months he decided to return to civilian life and his family. He had logged over 900 hours and came home in May 1948. Bob was hired by a local firm Link Aviation, to work on analog flight simulators. He worked in both the commercial and the military divisions and in his career spanning more than 33 years, was involved with the Jet Age digital simulation, and software systems. After retirement, Bob and Ernie enjoyed a winter trip each year to Florida. They officially became Snowbirds in 1996, splitting their time between the NY cottage in summer and Ocala in the winter. They enjoyed several 353rd Fighter Group reunions, pinocle with relatives and friends and visits with friends. Bob and Ernie were married for 64 years. Bob was predeceded in death by his half-sister Marie in 1991, his half-brother Richard in 1994, his son Robert Jr. in 2007, and his wife Ernie in 2008. Bob is survived by daughter, Karen Unangst and grandson, Jeff Unangst of Ocala and granddaughter, Julie Douglass (Chad Baker) Fultonville, NY, four great-grand children, Cory, Chad, Casey, and Carley, four great-great grandchildren Gracelyn, Kaysan, Carter, and Eastyn, sister in law Carol Cron, Spring Lake, NC, many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Marion County at 352-873-7400, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 800-805-5856 in his name. Cremation performed by Florida Cremation in Ocala, FL.