The Acoustical Society community mourns the passing of Eric E. Ungar, who died on June 14, 2026, at the
age of 99. Dr. Ungar was one of the foremost figures in structural acoustics and vibration engineering and a longtime leader within the Acoustical Society of America. A past ASA President (1991–1992), he
made pioneering contributions to the understanding of vibration isolation, structural damping, mechanical mobility, and structure-borne sound. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field, he was awarded the Trent-Crede Medal in 1983. His research and professional service helped shape the technical foundations on which much of the modern practice of vibration and shock engineering rests.
Dr. Ungar’s influence extended beyond research and consulting to the broader acoustics and vibration community. Through decades of leadership, technical contributions, and service to professional societies, he helped advance the body of knowledge that informs standards development in vibration and shock engineering. Many of the subjects that have long been central to the work of the ASA Accredited Standards Committee S2, Mechanical Vibration and Shock Community—including vibration measurement, structural dynamics, mechanical mobility, damping, and vibration isolation—were areas in which his contributions helped define the state of the art.
Although best known for his scientific and engineering achievements, Dr. Ungar was also a dedicated contributor to the acoustics community whose influence extended through education, mentorship, and professional service. His work continues to be reflected in the methods, measurements, and engineering approaches used throughout the vibration and acoustics professions today. His legacy will endure through the generations of engineers, researchers, and acousticians who benefited from his knowledge, leadership, and service.