ATHENS, Ohio — Irwin Ungar, retired professor emeritus of environmental plant biology at Ohio University, died early Saturday morning, Nov. 18, 2023, at The Laurels of Athens. Born Jan. 21, 1934, in New York City, he was the son of the late Isidore Ungar and Gertrude Fiegles Ungar.
Dr. Ungar’s academic endeavors began at the City College of New York where he received his B.S. in biology. He received his master of arts in 1957 and doctor of philosophy in 1961, both from the University of Kansas. He was an instructor at the University of Rhode Island and assistant professor at Quincy College, prior to joining the faculty at Ohio University in 1966. He retired from Ohio University in 2003 after a 38-year career at OU.
Dr. Ungar’s ecophysiological studies with halophytes earned him national and international acclaim. Over the years he mentored dozens of graduate students and has kept in touch with his students who now residing in 22 different states, Indonesia and Pakistan. He was presented the Outstanding Graduate Faculty award in 1994 and was honored to give the commencement address the following year at OU. He had a sincere interest in and concern for his students. In addition to being an outstanding scholar and mentor, he was department chairman
from 1981 to 1988 and director of the Environmental Studies program from 1991 to 1995. He was an author of countless articles, journals and books.
Irwin was also a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a very humble man, always giving credit to others. He enjoyed playing poker with his grandchildren, always letting them win. He also enjoyed hiking, bridge. tennis, jazz, Broadway musicals and travel with his family. While teaching, his family vacation always involved a salt marsh and millions and millions of mosquitos. On the lighter side, he had a reputation of being a very poor driver, his children laughing that family vacations ended with car sickness as well as his field trips with his students in a 15-passenger university van.
His beloved wife, Ana, passed away March 29, 2023. Ana was a very friendly person, enjoyed the company of friends and liked to party. She and Irwin were a classic example of opposite personalities attracting each other.
Irwin is survived by three children, Steven (Margaret) Ungar, Sandra (Roy) Clonch and Sharon (David) Hackley; six grandchildren, Sarah (Jonathan Clark) Ungar, Simone Ungar, Cheyenne (Keith) Mader, Chelsea Clonch, Conor Hackley, and Lauren Hackley; and two great grandchildren, Sierra and Stella Mader.
A family graveside service was observed at Alexander Cemetery, Athens, with Rabbi Levi Raichik officiating. Arrangements were with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. A celebration of his life will be held and announced at a later date. Instead of gifts, please send a contribution to your favorite charity. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
