Richard E. Unger

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard "Poppy" Unger, a man whose life was a testament to love, service, and unwavering faith. Poppy, born in the city of Philadelphia on Sept. 16, 1944, journeyed through life as a cherished son to John and Florence Unger, a loyal brother to Jack Unger, and a beloved friend to many. However, it was his wife, the late Linda (Mimi) F. Unger, and three daughters that truly enriched his life and captured his heart. Poppy leaves behind Shylo (Robby) Petrie of Ancaster, Ontario, Shanna Unger of Lititz, PA, and Ammie (Karl) Stark of Adamstown, PA, along with the grandsons he loved so dearly, Carson, Gavin, Avery, Chase, and Reilly. Poppy's journey through life was marked by his commitment to service. He wore his nation's cloth while dedicating eight years to the United States Army, where he shared his knowledge and passion for auto mechanics with fellow soldiers. His unwavering commitment to duty and exemplary service earned him several prestigious awards, including the Good Conduct medal, the National Defense Service medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary medal -- each one a testament to his dedication to his country and fellow service members. During his military service, Poppy's journey also landed him in front of his forever love, Mimi. Soon married, and eventually blessed beyond measure with their daughters, they settled in Ephrata, PA, and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Poppy's dedication to his work was matched only by his commitment to his family. The years of raising his daughters were filled with the typical "dad-like" stuff. Backyard forts, lessons on how to mow the lawn and fix cars, road trips to visit loved ones far away, and firework shows in the middle of the summer were the norm. He also had an exceptionally green thumb and grew vegetables that rivaled the size of his ginormous heart. As active as he was, though, you could also find him enjoying the simpler things in life as well, such as watching his favorite fishing shows with his daughter, sitting on the deck in the sun with his dogs, and feeding the squirrels. Boy, did he love those squirrels. It didn't take long for Poppy and Mimi's home to soon become the backdrop where strong values and family bonds were instilled, and where friends and family would come to gather to share in the love and joy they created. As the years passed, family members were added, and Poppy and Mimi's lives were blessed even more. With five grandsons to dote on, their lives became more fulfilled, and those "dad-like" moments once reserved for his daughters were now geared toward the young men in his life. Poppy and Mimi always looked forward to celebrating milestones with their grandsons and spending as much time as life could offer with their extended family. Spending time with loved ones wasn't always an easy thing to do, however, as Poppy embarked on a journey of retirement, not once, but three times, from various management positions. But retirement for Poppy wasn't just about slowing down. It was also about embracing his true passions. Poppy had an unquenchable love for the outdoors and could often be found with a fishing rod in hand, casting his line into the waters he held so dear. Deep sea fishing and hunting were among his favorite pastimes, but he also found joy in helping others. Remember the mowing lessons he gave his girls? It wasn't uncommon to find him mowing several of his neighbors' lawns, too. He loved lending a helping hand wherever he could. Above all, Poppy's unshakeable faith was just as important to him as his earthly adventures were. He was a devoted and active member of the Akron Community Church, where he found a loving community of fellow believers. His steadfast faith in the Lord sustained him throughout his life, allowing him to face each challenge with grace and resilience. Not only did Poppy's heart swell with love for his family, it also extended to everyone else he met. But perhaps no bond was as pure and unconditional as the love between him and his faithful companion, Molly Bucket Unger. Molly was more than a dog; she was a cherished member of the family and a constant source of joy and comfort for Poppy. The bond they shared was unbreakable. It was often said that others loved Poppy more than all the fish in the sea. He will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of sharing in his extraordinary journey and his memory will forever be a source of inspiration. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever endure, just like the constant ripple in the waters of which he loved so much. In his final moments of Sept. 12, 2023, Poppy was finally able to join his beloved wife, Mimi, and find the peace and serenity he had always sought. We can take comfort in knowing that he met Jesus in a place where there is no pain or sorrow, and that he is now resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior. Public Visitation will be held Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc. Saturday, Sept. 16 at 11:00 AM Funeral services will be held at the same location, with refreshments to follow Saturday, Sept. 16 at 12:00 PM Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc. 34-38 N Reamstown Rd Reamstown, PA 17567 Viewing Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST) Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre 34-38 North Reamstown Road Reamstown, Pennsylvania 17567 United States Service Saturday, September 16, 2023 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM (EST) Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre 34-38 North Reamstown Road Reamstown, Pennsylvania 17567 United States