Ernest Leo Unterkoefler

Ernest Leo Unterkoefler (August 17, 1917 – January 4, 1993) was an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Charleston from 1964 to 1990.

Ernest Unterkoefler was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Ernest L. and Anna Rose (née Chambers) Unterkoefler. An avid baseball fan, he once considered a professional career in the sport before studying for the priesthood; he later said, "If I couldn't be bishop of Charleston, I'd love to be commissioner of baseball." He graduated summa cum laude in pre-law from the Catholic University of America in 1940. He also earned a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (1944) and Doctor of Canon Law (1950).

On May 18, 1944, Unterkoefler was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia. He then served as a curate in Richmond until 1947, when he was transferred to Arlington. He returned to Richmond in 1950, and became secretary of the diocesan tribunal in 1954. He also served as chancellor (1960–1964) and vicar general (1962–1964). He was named a papal chamberlain in 1961.