Born in Jersey City, Thea grew up in Brooklyn, New York, then moved to Newton in 1960.
She was employed at Don Bosco College Seminary in Newton for nine years as their Financial Aid Officer, Registrar and Administrative Assistant to the President of the College. From 1982 to 1998, she was employed by the Town of Newton as Land Use Administrator, Zoning Officer and Housing Rehabilitation Administrator.
Thea served on Sussex County’s Strategic Plan Committee, Sussex County Planning Awards Committee and was the Past Vice President and President of the Sussex County League of Municipalities. In 1998, Thea was elected to Newton’s Town Council and served until 2010. She also served as Mayor of the Town of Newton for three years, and was elected as Republican Committeewoman for District 6 in the Town of Newton several times.
A member of Newton’s Prime Time Senior Citizens, Thea served as President for two terms. She was also a member and Past President of the Sussex County Chapter of AARP. Thea was a member of St. Joseph R.C. Church in Newton, where she served as Past Vice President.
The daughter of the late Herman and Rose Pfaff, Thea was also predeceased by her husband, Wilhelm Unhoch, on February 9, 2014, and her brother Thomas J. Pfaff. She is survived by her children, Richard W. Unhoch, of Newton, Lisa A. Wong and husband, Everett, of Ridgewood, and Robert C. Unhoch and wife, Kim, of Frankford Township; her grandson, Luke E. Wong; and her brother, Richard Pfaff of New City, New York.
All funeral services will be held privately. Thea's final resting place will be at St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum in Newton, NJ.
Memorial donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, 99 Sparta Avenue, Newton, NJ 07860. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithmccraackenfuneralhome.com.
