Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘True Haunting’ focuses on personal accounts of alleged paranormal experiences. One of the featured stories is Chris DiCesare’s, which is featured in the episode titled ‘Erie Hall.’ It explores the unusual events he claimed to have encountered while a student at SUNY Geneseo. A key figure in the story is his friend Jeff Ungar, who stayed by Chris’s side throughout the incidents. Ungar took photographs, helped document the experiences, and later recounted how the events not only impacted Chris but also left a lasting impression on other students who were present.
Jeff Ungar Took Pictures Which Allegedly Showed an Obscure Figure in Geneseo
John Jeff Ungar grew up in the Webster area of New York. Like many teenagers, he worked as a paperboy and often passed by a seemingly abandoned farmhouse on the outskirts of town. On October 31, 1978, during one of his usual rounds, he noticed a man sitting in a car. Concerned, he approached and realized the man was dying; he took his last breath right in front of Jeff. The experience stayed with him and left a lasting impression that he described as unforgettable. In 1984, Jeff joined the same class as Chris DiCesare at SUNY Geneseo and became a resident of Erie Hall.
He claimed that he witnessed Chris and his roommate, Paul, increasingly withdrawn, and in February 1985, they began documenting unusual occurrences in Room C2D1. Jeff took photographs, and one allegedly revealed a shadowy skeletal figure, which he initially kept private. Word eventually spread, causing tension between him and Chris, though they later reconciled. Jeff also said that he observed physical marks on Chris one night and corroborated reports of strange events from other residents. He helped Chris research the experiences and said he only found comfort when the occurrences lessened. Though they eventually drifted apart, Jeff’s memories of that time remain vivid and significant.
Jeff Ungar’s Passion for Photography is Alive Even Today
Jeff Ungar has long been known on campus as “the guy with the camera,” a nickname earned for his passion for photography that started during his time at SUNY Geneseo. After graduating in 1986, he continued to pursue this interest while building a professional career. By April 2000, he had joined Penn State University, where he currently works as a special collections cataloger in the cataloging and metadata services department. In this role, Jeff manages, organizes, and documents rare and unique materials, ensuring that these collections are accessible to researchers, students, and the public. His work blends his attention to detail with his love for preserving history, particularly materials with visual or artistic significance.
Many of Jeff’s photographs have become important records of cultural moments, such as the images he captured of the band Modern English in 1984. He continues to engage in creative projects and participates in events like the Lens Culture Portrait Awards, keeping his artistic vision active. Together with his wife, Maria Katria, a singer, Jeff has contributed to the Art Med Album Cover Art Series, photographing album covers and promotional material.
In 2017, Jeff took part in The Paranormal Notes Project, an initiative that documents personal accounts and experiences of the unexplained, bringing his historical and photographic expertise to the study of paranormal phenomena. He has also contributed to various documentaries and film projects, including ‘Please Talk With Me,’ ‘Cities in Dust,’ ‘Lady in White,’ and ‘Cheap Shots,’ serving as the cinematographer and part of the art department. Through these endeavors, he has maintained a career that has helped him build a legacy that spans decades.
Jeff Ungar and His Wife Have a Love for Photography in Common
Jeff Ungar married Maria Katria on June 12, 2015, and the couple shares a strong alignment in their values, beliefs, and creative vision. They collaborate closely on artistic projects, including photography and album work, and are surrounded by a tight-knit circle of friends who bring joy and support to their lives in State College, Pennsylvania. Their mutual love is evident in the way they capture each other through their camera lens, and each image reflects their common perspective on the world. This deep understanding enhances their art and creative pursuits and allows them to bring a unique intimacy to their projects.
Outside of his marriage, Jeff has maintained close ties with his family. He remains close to his sisters, Julie, Kathleen, and Katherine, and together they have done their best to honor the memory and legacy of their parents. Family, friendship, and shared creativity form the core of Jeff’s personal life and provide him with the inspiration, and a sense of continuity as he moves forward with the same enthusiasm that he had as a college boy.
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