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Click here to view or download the Funeral Program It is with profound sadness that we share that our adored husband, father and grandfather Wes Unseld, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 2, 2020 surrounded by family following lengthy health battles, most recently with pneumonia. He was the rock of our family – an extremely devoted patriarch who reveled in being with his wife, children, friends and teammates. He was our hero and loved playing and working around the game of basketball for the cities of Baltimore and Washington D.C., cities he proudly wore on his chest for so many years. His legacy lives on in the family he treasured – his daughter Kim, son Wes, daughter-in-law Evelyn, grandchildren Layla and Wes and the love of his life for 50 years, his wife Connie – and in the community through the Unselds’ School, where the entire family contributed to enriching the lives of Baltimore’s youth. We would like to thank everyone who knew and loved him, personally and professionally, for their support during this loss. We will share information in the near future about how we will celebrate Wes’ incredible life. At this time, the family would appreciate privacy as we navigate this difficult loss. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Unselds’ School using the following link: https://monumentalsports.formstack.com/forms/wesunseldschool In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Westley Unseld Scholarship Fund c/o the Unseld School 250 S. Hilton Street Baltimore, MD 21229 Westley S. Unseld was born on March 14, 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky to Charles Dorsey and Cornelia Sissel Unseld. He was nurtured in a Christian household where he had extraordinary role models in his parents. They placed an emphasis on hard work, education and family values. Wes was a man of moral strength and possessed a passion for reading. He read everywhere even in the locker room. He was an ingenious scholar, honor student and awesome athlete at Seneca High School. He won state titles in discus and shot put but basketball became his premier sport. He was a fearless contender. Mentally and physically he was a quiet competitor who established himself as an outstanding passer and defender. He had a determination to achieve and his demeanor during a game was intimidating. He led Seneca High School to two state basketball championships and his points and rebounds were staggering. He was a wonder to behold with his two handed overhand floor length pass. He had wit and strength that made him a legend. He graduated from high school with a stellar average of 24.5 points and 21 rebounds and was named Kentucky’s “Mr. Basketball.” Accomplishments didn’t diminish after Seneca High School. They continued to transcend and become even more impressive when he entered the University of Louisville. His rebounding and field goal percentages made him twice All-American. His records reveal that he was the Cardinal’s all-time leading scorer for a three year player. His 20.6 statistics per game and 18.9 rebounds remains a Louisville record. Professional basketball showed his real talents with his bone jarring picks and full court passes. He was unstoppable and became an instant success. He played thirteen years for the Baltimore/Washington Bullets. He was the second player in NBA history to be chosen Rookie of The Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season. His rebounding numbers were impressive especially since he was a mere 6 foot 6 inches and his competition was much taller. He mastered rebounding and the power and precision of the outlet pass which became his trade mark. He had many accomplishments during his career. He was a five time NBA All Star who led the charge to four final appearances. The height of success came for the team in 1978 when they became NBA champions and he was MVP. He was a true leader who was unselfish, he would rather pass than score. The Bullets began their dynasty when Wes joined in 1968. He retired in 1981 and became Vice President. He began coaching in 1988 and was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. In 1996, he was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team of the 50 best NBA players. He received many honors and awards and simply said, “It’s very nice, but I don’t know if I deserve them”. Wes was a graduate of the University of Louisville with a double major in education and history. He had numerous fond memories of the institution because that’s where he met his wife, Connie Martin. Wes has always taken part in community affairs. He volunteered with disabled children at James Lawrence Kernan Hospital and was a presenter and speaker on drug abuse prevention at Baltimore County schools. He has been equally engaged in projects, programs and with community groups in Washington, DC. He used his position in a positive manner to serve and help others. His leisure time was involved in gardening, culinary arts, woodworking, photography, fishing, reading and playing with his dogs. He was an avid traveler and participated in basketball clinics in South Africa, Japan, Vietnam, Mexico, Nigeria, Kenya, Israel, China and the Philippines. In 1978, Wes helped his wife Connie establish Unselds’ School, a private school that nurtures children from pre-school through eighth grade. It was a dream that became a reality and represented his compassion and commitment to children. His support and presence was invigorating and so meaningful for parents, staff and students. He served in many roles at Unselds’ School but enjoyed being the gentleman that greeted everyone daily. He was an awesome figure and immediately made a positive impact. Wes is preceded in death by two sisters, Sandra Austin, Charles Jeanne Clemons and a brother George Unseld. He is survived by: Connie, his wife of fifty years; his daughter, Kimberly; his son Wes Jr.; daughter-in-law Evelyn; and two grandchildren Layla and Westley. He leaves to mourn siblings, Reginald Unseld (Barbara), Robert Unseld, Isaac Unseld (Pam), Stevie Bedford and Larry Bedford along with several nieces, nephews as well as great-nieces and -nephews. Wes was a man who can be remembered as the rock of the family and the community. He was a caring and compassionate individual that seemed larger than life. He touched our lives and made it better. Although he was a Hall of Famer, NBA MVP, All American and Mr. Basketball, none of these accolades could compare to his greatest achievement which was his family. He loved his two children, grandchildren, and his wife who was his partner for a lifetime

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Westley "Wes" Unseld

March 14, 1946 - June 2, 2020