Obituaries
Stuart Alden Opdahl, 77, Former Educator and Bedford Resident
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14th, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Honan Funeral Home in Newtown, CT.
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The following obituary is from Dorian Cundari:
Stuart Alden Opdahl, most recently of Newtown, CT, and formerly of Bedford, Huntington Station, and Bethpage, New York, died August 7, 2015, after an extended illness. He was 77.
Born in Bethpage, New York on December 20, 1937, Stuart was the youngest son of the late Olaf and Clara Opdahl.
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Stuart graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Long Island University and received a Master’s from Hofstra University. He completed 42 credits in a Doctoral Program in Educational Administration at St. John’s University and held a Permanent Certificate for School Administrator and Supervisor and School District Administrator.
Early in his career, Stuart taught middle school math in the East Meadow School District and Advanced Placement Biology and Chemistry at Bethpage High School. In 1966, he began a career in school administration that would span over four decades, taking positions of increased responsibility in Bronxville Public Schools, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen, Hicksville Public Schools, Norwalk Public Schools, and Oxford Public Schools. While holding positions such as Chief Operating Officer, Assistant Superintendent for Business, and Superintendent of Schools, he gained an extensive background in facilities construction and management, financial operations including budget development and control, public relations, human relations and personnel management, food services, and leadership. Even when forced to retire due to failing health, he remained active in volunteering his services and writing articles for publication in various school-related journals. Stuart was also an active member and leader of many professional organizations, including the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. Stuart was a lauded colleague, visionary, and creative problem solver who was known for his generosity and supportiveness. He worked as tirelessly for the children in the communities he served as he did for his own children and grandchildren.
If Stuart didn’t have a book or pen in his hand, he was holding a hammer, a drill or a wrench. His effectiveness in the Board Room was only surpassed by his proficiency in construction and renovation. He could do it all (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry) and there were typically multiple projects occurring at once. He worked tirelessly on his homes in his free time and was quick to lend a helping hand at the residences of family and friends. Though his career kept him busy, he always found time to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events; he had a lifelong love of sports, especially football. In his later years, his failing health and decreased mobility prevented him from doing many of the things he had dedicated his life to. However, he moved through each challenge with grace and a smile on his face.
Stuart will forever be remembered and loved by those whose lives he touched. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janis (Packy) Opdahl, daughter Dorian Cundari and her husband James of Brookfield, CT, son Darryl Opdahl and his wife Debra of Norwalk, CT, son John Opdahl and his wife Karen of Rockville, MD, son James Opdahl of Newtown, CT, and his son Matthew Opdahl and his wife Sarah of New Fairfield, CT. He was adored by his eight grandchildren, Evan, Jillian, Tristan, Jessica, Ethan, Ingrid, Jordan, and Phoebe. He leaves behind a brother, Everett Opdahl, of Glen Arm, MD and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and their families. Stuart was predeceased by his brothers Robert Opdahl of Hurley, NY and Roger Opdahl of Williamsport, PA.
Online condolences and memorials may be left at www.honanfh.com. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 14th, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Honan Funeral Home in Newtown, CT. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th, also at the Honan Funeral Home and followed by interment at Newtown Village Cemetery located on Elm Drive at the intersection of Hawley Road. All are encouraged to attend.
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Stuart dedicated his life to children and had noted that the greatest joy of his career was his time in the classroom. Memorial contributions in Stuart’s memory can be made to an educational foundation of choice, the American Diabetes Association, or the American Parkinson Disease Association.
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