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Thomas Unger Obituary

Thomas George Unger, December 7, 1947 - February 15, 2023   Thomas G. Unger, age 75, a kind, friendly, giving soul of Tucson, Arizona was born in Chicago, IL, to loving parents George Paul Unger and Nancy Ann (Foley) Unger who preceded him in death. Dear brother of Barbara, Daniel (the late Nancy), James (the late Elaine), Mary (Bob), and the late George Michael. Beloved husband of Virginia Elmgren "Lee" Unger. Loving and proud father of Krista Unger, Alexander Unger and wife Dr. Emily Moeller. Cherished Grandpa of Calvin Unger. Loved brother-in-law of Susan, Robert, Gail, and Bob. Dear cousin of Jeannette, Winnie and more. Grateful for esteemed colleagues. Loving uncle, neighbor, and friend to many. Tom valiantly fought esophageal cancer and was thankful for everyone's love, thoughts, prayers, comfort, and support. Tom leaves many beloved friends including past schoolmates from grammar school through college. Tom, once an altar boy, attended St. Genevieve Catholic School, Chicago, IL and Fenwick High School, Oak Park, IL. After his family moved to Morton Grove he graduated from Notre Dame College Prep, Niles, IL, 1965, and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1972. A Realtor with Butera Trust since c. 1976, Tom became a Broker in 1980. Following in the footsteps of mentors Ruth and Nick Butera, co-founders of Butera Trust, Tom subsequently became President-Broker of Butera Real Estate, Inc. in 1984. Tom thrived working in many facets of real estate including residential, commercial, land, property management, and development including Santa Fe Park in Tucson. Tom enjoyed his clients and colleagues, making many treasured friends. Butera Real Estate, Inc. will remain in business thanks to Tom's mentoring. As an avid tennis player and golfer, Tom made many more dear, lifelong friends. Tom loved the camaraderie of golf outings and trips with his Buddies. Tom's willingness to help organize charity golf tournaments contributed to raising funds for schools and the Tucson Optimist Club. As a member of the Tucson Optimist Club since 1978, having served as President and in other capacities, Tom lived by the Optimist Creed.  Tom's volunteerism was dedicated to the mission "By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves." Over the years Tom was grateful for cherished friendships with fellow Optimists and their families. To honor Tom's wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Please celebrate Tom's memory with joy in your hearts for a life well lived, forever loved, and dearly missed. Should friends desire, contributions may be sent in Tom's memory to your favorite charity or to the Tucson Optimist Club 6581 E. Via Algardi Tucson, AZ 85750. Thank you.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Sherry Lindenstein (Bennett)

January 5, 2024

I had the pleasure of working with Tom... he helped me get my real estate license and mentored me in property management. He was a great boss and I treasure the time I worked at Butera Real Estate. Thank you Tom!! All my love to you and yours!

John Woodville

June 22, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dean Andrews

June 20, 2023

Unfortunately, I have only a passing acquaintance with Tom, years ago when he served as the broker for Butera Trust and I worked with his real estate account as an advertising representative at The Arizona Daily Star. I'm sorry to hear of his death and offer my condolences to family and friends. It's always sad to lose a loved one and I feel your loss.

Dion Wan

March 14, 2023

Hello the Unger Family,

I had a privilege working with Ruth, Bernie and Tom at Butera Real Estate. Tom was a wonderful human beings. He was my mentor and a great friend. I will cherish all the great memories and the wisdom he shared with me. Tom, hope you find some nice real estate up there. See you some days. ~ Dion

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

Krista Unger

March 13, 2023

John Woodville

March 13, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Brenda Filippelli

March 12, 2023

Lee, So very sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. Such a nice and kind man. Please give my condolences to Krista and Alexander.

Bill Nettling

March 12, 2023

Lee, so sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. He was a good man and will be missed. Cherish the many memories and gather strength for the days ahead.
I will always remember my days at beautiful Santa Fe Park.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

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