Harold Lee Unger
1956-2024
Harold was born July 18, 1956 to James Alfred Unger and Phyllis Madeline Risinger Unger. He grew up in Berkeley Springs in a family of five children: Carolyn, Steven, Gregory and Bryan. They remember him as having lots of energy and enjoying the outdoors, playing ball and riding his bicycle. He was obsessed with the weather from an early age and said he wanted to be a meteorologist. He began his sales career with American Seed Company at an early age.
He was a Christian. Harold graduated from Berkeley Springs High School in 1974. He worked with Unger Construction Company, alongside his father and brothers for many years. Harold was very proud of the strong work ethic instilled by their father. Countless conversations would begin with “We built this house.”
Harold’s love of motorcycles began at a young age, riding with his brothers and friends. He began racing in the spring of 1973 and continued riding throughout his lifetime. After years of racing, championship trophies and broken bones, Harold and his brother Bryan opened Ridersville Cycle in a two car garage in 1981.
Harold and Dawn met in 1982 and were married January 2, 1988. Their first son, Jeremy Carson Unger, was born September 30, 1991. Jordan Tyler Unger was born June 1, 1996. They were the most important people in his life. He wanted to be a good role model for them and was an extremely proud father.
Because of Harold’s dedication and passion for motorcycling, the business has expanded into an award-winning destination. Many of his closest friendships were from people he met at the motorcycle shop. He truly could not wait to go to work every day! His dreams had become a reality.
Harold is survived by his spouse of 36 years, Dawn Carson Unger, sons, Jeremy Carson Unger and Jordan Tyler Unger, Jeremy’s girlfriend, Alex Goldman; one sister, Carolyn Pittman (Bill-deceased); three brothers, Steve (Pat), Greg (Sally) and Bryan (Lisa); nieces and nephews, Darin Pittman (Tracy and Zackary), Micah Pittman (Nichole and Ash), Nicole Unger Welch (Trey), Luke Unger, Tessa Unger (Colt Spring and Bowie) and Jasmine Unger.
Also surviving are Bill Carson, father-in-law, Jeanie Carson, mother-in-law, and Christy Carson (Ben Hoeg) sister-in-law.
Harold was preceded by his mother and father.
Visitation was held Saturday, September 21 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. Please wear a Ridersville Cycle shirt or other motorcycle/ATV shirt of your choice to pay tribute to Harold. The funeral was held on Sunday, September 22 at 2 pm at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union Street, Berkeley Springs, WV; casual dress (Ridersville Cycle shirt or other), with a Celebration of Life immediately following at Ridersville Cycle, Route 522 South in Berkeley Springs. We look forward to sharing fond memories and/or old riding stories of Harold. He loved a good story!!
Online condolences may be expressed at www.helsleyjohnsonfh.com.
