He was born on December 10, 1932, to Andreas (András) Unger and Anna Unger (nee Birnbauer) in Magyarpolány, Hungary.
Josef fled Hungary as a young man in 1956 with his younger brother, John, with both arriving in Canada to begin new lives for themselves as refugees. After working on farms and then as a uranium miner, he moved with his brother to Hamilton to take up factory work with International Harvester (later Case International).
There he married Gerda Sieling, after meeting her during a ball at the Germania Club. They moved to the countryside in Brant County, in keeping with his love of nature and solitude. Josef was a curious man, becoming proficient in a number of trades as well as being an avid apiarist. He was also a man of strong opinions, and often felt compelled to share them whether they were solicited or not. Despite his active life, he always found time to assist neighbours with any issue they faced, whether it was an errant swarm of bees or farm machinery in need of repair.
Josef is survived by his wife, his sons René and André, their wives Saraswathi and Carmen, and his three grandchildren (Kiran, Eva, and Arden). He is also survived by his remaining siblings, John and Johanna.
As per his wishes, his remains have been cremated and will be interred at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Hamilton.
Those who wish to give a donation in Josef’s memory may give it to the University of Guelph’s Honey Bee Research Centre, or any other charity of their choice.
