Edward W. Unger, Sr., 83
Dateline: Mansfield, MA
Edward Weston Unger, Sr., 83 of Mansfield died at his home on Sunday August 31, 2008 in the presence of his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Margaret E. (Creeden) Unger.
Born in York, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1925 he was a son of the late John D. Unger, Sr. and Ruth E. (Hunt) Unger. He moved to Mansfield with his family when he was five years old and, other than the time he spent in World War II military service, was a lifetime resident of Mansfield.
During World War II, he served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe as a Private First Class in Company ‘C’ of the 3112th Signal Service Battalion. He landed at Utah Beach on D-Day plus 4, served in the Battle of the Bulge, and witnessed the atrocities at Buchenwald following the liberation of the concentration camp in April 1945. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the American Campaign Ribbon. Additionally, he was awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal by the French Government in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landing.
Following military service he returned to Mansfield and graduated with the Class of 1947 at Mansfield High School. He married classmate, Ms. Margaret E. Creeden, after graduation on October 11, 1947.
Mr. Unger was employed by the Town of Mansfield for almost two decades. He was a police officer with the Mansfield Police Department and also a lineman with the Electric Light Department. He later obtained his master electrician’s license and worked as an industrial electrician at Bay State Tap and Die, Boston Woven Hose, and Anderson Power Products. From 1969 until his retirement in 1988, he was a lead electrician at Polaroid Corporation in both the Waltham and Norwood facilities.
Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of constructing his first home, a post-war Cape Cod style house, on Wood Avenue in Mansfield. He also enjoyed deer hunting in Northern New England, fishing, golfing, camping, vegetable gardening, learning about the U.S. Civil War, and attending Mansfield High School football games. He shared all these activities with his six sons, who span 20 yrs in age from oldest to youngest. During retirement he liked to read a book on the porch of his winter home in Naples, Florida.
He was involved in the Mansfield community as VFW Post 3264 Commander during 1955 and 1956 and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a Cub Scout pack leader during the 1950’s and a Mansfield Little League coach during the 1960’s and 1970’s. He unsuccessfully ran for Mansfield Town Selectmen during a special election in December of 1982.
He was known for his straight forward communication style, no nonsense approach to life, and wry sense of humor.
In addition to his beloved wife Margaret of nearly 61 years he is survived by his devoted sons Edward W. Unger, Jr. and his wife Sheila of Lynnfield, Daniel V. Unger and his wife Christine of Plainville, Thomas F. Unger and his wife Vera of Mansfield, James P. Unger and his wife Carol of Mansfield, John D. “Jack” Unger, III and his wife Kathy of Wrentham and Joseph K. Unger and his wife Susan of Jackson, Tennessee. He was the brother of Evelyn (Robinson) Concannon of Foxboro, Robert S. Unger of Mansfield and the late John D. Unger Jr. who passed away on October 24, 2002, also survived by his cherished 14 grandchildren, 1 great grandson and many nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday September 5th at 8:00 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 North Main St. Mansfield followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 9:00 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mansfield.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday September 4th from 5-8 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com