Richard Oparil

Richard "Dick" Oparil died on Saturday, April 6, 2019 in Syracuse, NY at the age of 95. He was born on January 9, 1924 to Stanley and Anna (Penkova) Oparil, who emigrated to Elmira, NY from Czechoslovakia. Dick was the second-youngest of five children raised on a dairy farm in Elmira. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 20 in 1944. He served his nation in combat on the European front, including in the Battle of the Bulge -- an experience that shaped his life. Following his military service, he attended Sampson College and worked as Sales Manager for Pilgrim Packing Co. In 1959, he married Marilyn Lynch, also of Elmira. The couple settled in Syracuse, where they owned and operated several apartment buildings and raised their beloved son. Dick was a member of Elmira Elks Lodge 62. Throughout his life, Dick modeled for his family the values of hand work, tenacity, pride, and responsibility. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn Oparil; sisters Clara Johnson and Dr. Suzanne Oparil; a son, Richard J. Oparil; daughter-in-law, Donna M. DeSilva; granddaughters Dr. Kimberly M. Oparil and Maria A. Oparil; his soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Amy Bell; and several nephews. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, April 10 from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Burns Garfield Funeral Home, 3175 East Genesee Street, followed by burial at St. Mary's Cemetery.