John D. Unangst

John D. Unangst, age 71, of Kennett Square, died January 21, 2018.

John was President and Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union and Chairman of the Board of State Financial Network, LLC. He joined the company in 1976 as a Manager to head a three-person organization with one branch and assets of less than $1 million. In 1985, Mr. Unangst acquired the title of President and Chief Executive Officer, and under his leadership, FMFCU has grown into a full-service financial institution with assets over $1 billion. As a leader in the credit union movement, Mr. Unangst has directed the growth and diversification of FMFCU which currently represents over 2,500 sponsoring companies and organizations with more than 85,000 active members.

Mr. Unangst was the driving force behind FMFCU’s newest stateof-the-art destination branch locations. On the cutting edge of industry, they contain new technology - from video screens to dialogue banking to cash dispensers - in a friendly, comfortable and member-focused environment. A visionary with hands-on experience of day-to-day operations, Mr. Unangst exemplifies his organization’s mottos of “Speed, Service, and Convenience” and “FMFCU Membership for Life®” for FMFCU members.

One of Mr. Unangst’s greatest accomplishments was realized in 2012 when he sought and was granted permission to use the iconic Berenstain Bears in conjunction with financial literacy. The Credit Union’s partnership with Berenstain Enterprises led to the construction of Bear Country Credit Union, an 1100 square foot, themed financial literacy center nestled behind the Credit Union’s Broomall branch and available for school field trips. The development of The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program soon followed, and Mr. Unangst commissioned Mike Berenstain to write and illustrate The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union—a title that has become the signature component of the early childhood educational program.

Mr. Unangst’s dedication to financial literacy also included forming FMFCU Partners in Education, launched in 2007 to help fund and fulfill the ever-increasing need for financial education, and the annual Partners in Education Celebration, FMFCU’s marquee affair, affirming the Credit Union’s dedication to the community and attracting corporate partners.

Mr. Unangst is an active member of the Riddle Health Care Foundation Board of Directors and the Brandywine Advisory Board at Penn State University. He is a past member of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, past member of the Riddle Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, past Director of the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Credit Union League, and served on National Association of Credit Union Service Organizations (NACUSO Board of Directors for 19 years, two as chairman, and 19 years on CUES Chapter Board. Prior to joining FMFCU, Mr. Unangst spent 3 years at Provident National Bank and 3 years as a member of the United States Army. As a Captain serving in Vietnam, Mr. Unangst was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal for Valor and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He earned a B.S. in Finance from Pennsylvania State University in 1972.

John is Predeceased by his parents George and Ruth (nee DePew) Unangst.

Survived by his wife of 15 years Gail Reese Unangst. Children Melissa Borusky (Ryan), John David A. Unangst (Gwendolyn), and Amy Buchmann (Ryan). Grandchildren William, Hazel, Dean, Vera, and John David L. Siblings: Richard Unangst (Donna), Barbara Egan (Paul), and George Unangst (Jeanne).

Relatives and Friends are invited to visit Friday January 26, from 9:3011:30am in Penn Oaks Country Club, 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester, Pa. 19382. Memorial Service will begin at 12:30 sharp. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Riddle Healthcare Foundation 1068 W. Baltimore Pike, Media, Pa. 19063 or online at www.mainlinehealth.org/give-riddle. Arrangements: J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home, Media.

Condolences: jnelsonrigbyfh.com