Stanley J. & David B. Opitz – Honor a Deceased Veteran Ceremony

Honoring Stanley J. & David B. Opitz, held in the Legislative Chambers

STANLEY J. OPITZ, 1924-1979

FAMILY HISTORY:
Stanley J. Opitz was born on July 31, 1924 in Troy, New York to the late Ignatious Opitz and Victoria Romaniszyn Opitz.  Stanley was the brother of Lucy, Albina and Joseph.  Stanley was a lifelong resident of Troy.

EDUCATION:
Stanley attended School #12 in Troy, NY and later received his GED.

HISTORY:
Stanley enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 1, 1942 in Albany, New York during World War II.  He was an Aviation Mechanic where he set up and operated milling machines, turret lathes, planers and shapers.  He also worked on cast iron and aluminum.  Stanley was honorably discharged on February 3, 1946.

PERSONAL:
Stanley married Lupita Berrigan Opitz on December 2, 1943.  Together they had five children, Stanley, Donna, John, Tim and the late David, and two grandchildren, Mike and Shannon.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
Stanley worked for Cardish Machine Works from 1946-1958.  He also worked as a machinist at Ford Motor Co. from 1959-1979.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
Stanley was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Troy, a member of the Polish American Club of Troy, Boy Scouts of America and Local 930, United Auto Workers of Green Island.

Stanley loved to travel with family, do crossword puzzles, play darts and work on cars.

DAVID B. OPITZ, 1947-2007

FAMILY HISTORY:
David B. Opitz was born on September 12, 1947 in Troy, New York to the late Lupita Berrigan Opitz and Stanley J. Opitz.  David was the brother of Donna, John, Tim and the late Stanley.

EDUCATION:
David attended St. Joseph’s School, and then Lasalle, finishing his high school education at Troy High School, class of 1965.

 HISTORY:
David enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves on May 28, 1967.  He was ordered to active duty on December 1, 1967.  He was assigned to the USS Warrington (DD 843), where he was a Boatwain’s Mate.  David was the recipient of the National Defense Medal.  He was honorably discharged on August 21, 1972.

PERSONAL:
David married Barbara Fitzgerald Opitz and together they had two children; Shannon and Michael.  David was also survived by his two four-legged canine friends; Blu and Grey; and several nieces and nephews.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
David worked as an Engineer for Verizon, retiring in 2002.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES/ORGANIZATIONS:
David was a member of the American Legion Post in Wynantskill, New York and the Polish American Club.  He was also a Little League Coach.

David loved reading, wood working and spending time with his family.