Irwin Ungar, retired Professor Emeritus of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University, died early Saturday morning, Nov. 18, 2023, at The Laurels of Athens. Born on Jan. 21, 1934, in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Isidore Ungar and Gertrude Fagales Ungar.

Dr. Ungar's academic endeavors began at the City College of New York where he received his BS 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, a 38 year career at OU.  Dr. Ungar's ecophysiological studies with halophytes have earned him national and international acclaim. Over the years, he has mentored dozens of graduate students and has kept in touch with his students who are 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 1981-1988 and director of the Environmental Studies program from 1991-1995. He was the author or co-author of countless articles, journals, and books.

Irwin was also a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a humble man, who always gave credit to others. He enjoyed playing games with his grandchildren, always letting them win. He also enjoyed, hiking, bridge. tennis, music, and traveling with his family. The family vacations often involved a salt marsh and millions of mosquitos. On the lighter side, he had a reputation for being a very poor driver, his children laughing that family vacations ended with car sickness. His graduate students had similar experiences while Irwin drove them on field trips in the 15 passenger university van.

His beloved wife, Ana, passed away on March 29th of this year. Ana was a very friendly person and enjoyed the company of friends. 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) Ungar Clark, 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.