PATRICK JOSEPH UNGARO

PATRICK JOSEPH UNGARO

YOUNGSTOWN – Patrick Joseph Ungaro, 78, passed away peacefully at his home with his family at his side, on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019.

Patrick was born March 3, 1941, in Youngstown, to Victor and Mary (Mast) Ungaro and grew up in the Smokey Hollow section of Youngstown.

He graduated from The Rayen School in 1959 and attended Youngstown College, where he played football and eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in Education. He received his master’s degree in Counseling, Administration and Superintendent Certification from Westminster College and served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.

Pat began his professional career in 1965 as a teacher and school counselor at Rayen where he would also begin coaching football and track and field. Pat was eventually named the Head Football Coach at Rayen, leading some of the most successful teams in Rayen history. He then left Rayen and coaching to become the Assistant Principal at South High School until 1984. It was during these years spent in education that Pat had the most pleasure and reward, helping countless kids from Youngstown reach their potential and go on to become productive people. Many of his former students still approach his family crediting his calm, compassionate demeanor, firm discipline and most of all his genuine care for them as people as credit for their success to this day.

Pat ran for Youngstown City Council in 1976 at the urging and support of his wife to make a difference in the Third Ward. He was elected and eventually became Council President the following year, serving in that capacity until 1982. In 1983, Pat ran for Mayor of Youngstown, during turbulent times and won the first of five terms, serving as mayor for 14 years. He often credited his win to walking door to door every day during the election in the city; always remembering the number of great people he had the opportunity to meet; people who would help him become elected and who he would eventually serve with humility and integrity. He often said that hard work, perseverance and being honest in your dealing with people will always pay off. This working-class ethos carried him to three additional terms as mayor, where he eventually retired 1997, serving as the longest tenured mayor in the history of the city.

Pat attempted retirement unsuccessfully and eventually returned to education, serving as the Assistant Principal at Youngstown City West Elementary in 2001. In 2002, he was approached by Liberty Township to become the Township Administrator, where he served until June of this year. Pat made many friends in Liberty Township and Trumbull County and was always grateful for the opportunity to serve Liberty until his final days.

Pat was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cherished his family and enjoyed many fun vacations to Ocean City, Md. for 40 years.

Above all else, Pat’s most successful run was his 51-year marriage to his wife, the former Theresa Filipowich, whom he married in 1968. Theresa was the love of his life and his partner and counsel during his journey as he navigated the many perils of his professional career and politics in Youngstown. The four biggest victories of Pat’s career were his four wonderful children and the nine grandchildren that they both adored, that called them Nana and Papa.

Pat leaves behind Eric (Nanette) Ungaro, Candice (James) Ungaro-Jones and Renee Ungaro, who still call the Youngstown area their home. Pat also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Gina and Carly Ungaro, Allyson, Gregory, Patrick, and James Jones, Theresa and Anthony Garono, Sean Ungaro, and Kristian Whetzel; two nieces, Lisa Kavanah and Mary (Mike) Kushner; three great-nephews, Aidan Kavanah, and Mike and Thomas Kushner; one great-niece, Kristina Kushner; and brother-in-law Jim (Paula) Filipowich.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Mary, his son, Sean and his sister, Charlene (Sam) Vinion.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Patrick J. Ungaro Scholarship, c/o The YSU Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502, where a scholarship will be established in his name, to serve the students of the Youngstown City Schools and Liberty Local Schools, or the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, 962 Martin Luther King Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Southern Care Hospice for their care and compassion during Patrick’s final days.

Friends may call on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Edward’s Church, and again on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, at the church from 10 a.m. until noon prior to a noon Mass of Christian Burial with the Very Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Siffrin officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman.

Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Patrick’s family.