Charles L. Opitz (September 22, 1921 - December 19, 2014)
Eddyville - Charles L. Opitz, 93, of Canal St. died Friday December 19, 2014 at his home. He was born in NYC September 22, 1921 a son of the late Charles F. and Marion R. Lombard Opitz. Charles graduated from the McBurney School in Manhattan and entered St Lawrence University 1941. His education was interrupted by the Great War (WWII) when he enlisted US Army. He was a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corp. and received training in the Army Air Force Training Command working in the area of Radar and Communications. His activities would later earn him membership in the Association of Old Crows: During World War II Allied Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) Officers, tasked to disrupt enemy communications and radars, were given the code name of “Raven” to provide a degree of security to their existence. After WWII, a group of Raven operators were directed to establish a SAC flying course in ECM operations at McGuire AFB, New Jersey. From all accounts from those present at the time, the students changed the name to “Crows” and those engaged in the profession became known as Old Crows. After the War Charles returned to University of St Lawrence to complete a Bachelor in Science and graduated in 1947. His career in Electronic Systems spanned many decades, working on projects at Lockheed, Stavid Corp, ISE and as a Scientific Consultant to develop and supply the U.S. military with electronic systems after World War II and throughout the Cold War. His work and research included several patents. Charles was also a long time member & contributor to the Acoustical Society of America. He also had a great passion for sailing on the Hudson, and was a Lifetime Member of the D & H Canal Society. In 1995 the Society awarded him a Special Commendation for Historical Preservation efforts.. Charles is survived by his wife Penny Peck, a daughter Viki Zeman and her husband Ronald of Punta Gorda, FL, a son Mark H. Opitz and his wife Pat of Mt. Bethel, PA, and a grandson, Guy Opitz also of Mt. Bethel, PA. His first wife, Rae Holmes Opitz died June 14, 1989. He is also survived by many loving friends and caregivers. His funeral will be held Tuesday 1 PM at the George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. Rev. Nickolas Miles will officiate. Interment with Military Honors by Rosendale - Tillson Post 1219 American Legion will follow in Hurley Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday 12 to 2 PM and again Tuesday after 11:30 AM. The family suggests Memorial Donations to the Bloomington Fire Department, PO Box 111, Bloomington, NY 12411.
