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Michael C. Opperman
Michael C. Opperman
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Michael Opperman Obituary
The annals of workaholism will hold a special place for Michael C. Opperman. It is one thing to leave the house at 3 a.m., as Mr. Opperman, a senior vice president at Aon Insurance, routinely did, so that he could get a head start on his own work before people started coming to him for help.
It is another thing to try to keep working after a jet hits the building across the plaza. Around 9 a.m. on Sept. 11, when a colleague said urgently, "I'm going now, Mike, are you coming?" Michael Opperman replied, "O.K. I've just got a few loose ends to tie up here."
Deborah Opperman said that her husband, 45, who grew up the son of a truck driver in the Bronx and who never got further than his associate's degree in college, was driven by a fear that his accomplishments in life could be taken away.
"I think he always had in the back of his head that he could lose it," she said from their home in Selden on Long Island. "He'd say, `My God, Debbie, there are so many people out there that are so educated.'"
Mr. Opperman left an 18-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter. His son, Mike Jr., had just started school at Wagner College in Staten Island. "They're good kids, thank God for that," Ms. Opperman said. "Except I sort of see my husband's drive in my son. That sort of frightens me."
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Leonard Resto
September 9, 2023
Hi, Mike, think of you often and how hard you worked to satisfy clients. You did not have the word "No" in your vocabulary, nor the word "can't"; it was always "could". Miss you greatly and know we'll be reunited some day.
Sue Galati
September 11, 2021
Mike was a co-worker at Alexander & Alexander. When I was pregnant with my first, we had an office pool to guess the sex, date & weight. I laughed at Mike´s guess. Girl, Feb 3rd (2 weeks early) and 8 lbs. no way! Only thing he missed was she was 8lbs 3 oz! He won $100!!! What a guy. 20 years...hard to believe. Rest In Peace, Mike.
Aon Finance
September 11, 2020
Remembering Mike on this 19th anniversary. He was a great partner to our WTC finance team. Always first in the office to get the day going!
Aon FInance
September 11, 2019
Thoughts and prayers for Michael and his family.
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THE BAILEY INC
March 27, 2019
I never knew him but being a fellow Opperman I know that somehow we are connected. God Bless your family.
Kathy M
September 13, 2016
Time passes, but our Aon friends and family are not forgotten.
Linda & Bob Strong
September 10, 2016
Out thoughts and prayers are with Deborah and her family. We were lucky to have Mike as a neighbor and our daughter's basketball coach. We will always hold onto our memories of Mike
S.J. Friscia III
August 30, 2016
In Memory with
Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
January 14, 2016
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
September 11, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the family today and every day. May your love soothe your heartache. -a fellow Seldener
Kathy M
September 11, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are sent to the Opperman family. Mike will be remembered by his Aon friends.
Kathy Miller
September 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are sent to the Opperman family. For those that worked with Mike, we will always remember the first office light to be on in the morning was his. May his light continue to shine down upon all that knew him.
Claire Norberg
September 11, 2012
6 years ago my father, a WWII veteran, attended a memorial service for the many victims of 911 in Tinley Park, IL, 5 years after the tragedy. Each of the attendees at the service received a name of one of the souls lost in that terrible event. My father received your name, Michael, and now, on the 11th anniversary, my father and I still remember you, although we have never met. Please know that the great people of this country will never forget you and what happened on that day. Our prayers are with you and your family members on this day, 11 years later, 9/11/2012.
Mary DeBold
September 8, 2011
I worked with Mike & he was an inspiration. His enthusiasm couple with knowledge made him impossible to replace. He is missed.
Toby Ulman
March 26, 2011
I never met Mike but heard so much about him from my friend Terry Friedman who has known his wife Debbie since they attended kindergarten. I know he was the best father and dearest husband ever. Debbie is the most courageous woman that I ever met who has overcome so many adversities since this horrific loss. God bless Debbie and the children.
Chris Fletcher
September 11, 2008
7 years gone. Like the sign on your desk said, "Hold on Tight to Your Dreams". We'll hold on to the memories, Mike.
Chris Hay
September 11, 2007
As a consultant, I had the distinct pleasure to work with Mike for a nine month period. He was one of the kindest and most friendly individuals I have had an opportunity to work with. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
P Tabbernor
January 21, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 22, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Allyn Carrell
September 11, 2006
Whenever we both traveled to Chicago for random IT meetings or training, Mike was always the epitome of kindness, graciousness & reason, even when the rest of us were losing our minds. I remember him warmly & miss his presence.
Keith Murphy
January 5, 2006
I believe I went to school with Mike at St. John's grammar school in the Bronx. He was a quiet and nice guy. I was working near the Trade Center on 9/11/01 and witnessed the whole event from a few blocks away. I was shocked when I found out a few years later from the credits of a movie that Mike was working in the building that day.
Leonard Resto
September 13, 2003
Mike,
Think of you often as one of the most giving people I have ever had the privilege know. On this second anniversary, may God give your family the strentgh to continue on and reflect on all the good you did on your too short life on this Earth. Until we meet again,
MARYRITA OPPERMAN
November 14, 2002
I KNOW THE KIND OF MAN WITH YOUR FAMILY AND WORK BECAUSE THE OPPERMAN BROTHERS ARE SO ALIKE. THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF YOUR SMILE, DEICATION AND LOVE. JOHN AND I MISS YOU. SO UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MANY BLESSINGS. MARYRITA
Robert Quigley
September 12, 2002
No words of condolences make the loss of Mike Opperman any easier to accept. Mike was a friend who is missed.
Bob Q
Leonard Resto
September 11, 2002
On this first anniversary, I reflected on so many whom I worked with while I was at Aon. Mike was one of the best. If he said it would get done, it would get done. He loved his family and talked about his kids to me so many times. I was heartbroken to learn he was one of the victims. May he rest in God's loving arms, and may God grant peace and tranquility to his family.
Dean Westover
September 11, 2002
Mike was the first person I thought of when I heard of the tragedy of September 11th as it was happening.
I own a small software company north of Boston. The times when I visited Aon to assist with our products, Mike was always the first person to meet me. Whenever there was a delay in getting people together for our meetings, he always went out of his way to make me feel comfortable.
Mike was special not only because he was a hard worker, who always insisted on doing things the right way, but also because he truly cared about people.
Priscilla Tavares
September 11, 2002
I would just like to express my deepest sympothy to Micheal C. Opperman's family. I know his son Micheal Jr. since middle school all through high school and I had the pleasure to be employed with him for over a year. On many occasions Micheal C. would come to pick up his son with his little daughter Beth and you could always tell that he was a genuiunely good and hardworking father and husband. He loved his family and will be deeply missed to all who knew him. God Bless.
Martha Hunter
September 11, 2002
It was such a please to work with Mike as a Network Admin. He was good manager. I am glad I was a member of his team. May he rest in peace.
Martha (former AON IT employee)
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 9, 2002
In memory of Michael C. Opperman
We did not know Michael, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
Angie Campbell
May 8, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the family and friends that you left behind that horrible day last September. May you rest in peace.
Anonymous
March 19, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...MICHAEL C.OPPERMAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY GOD AND HIS ANGELS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...MAY ST.MICHAEL GREET YOU TOO...AMEN
Elaine Gassaway
March 11, 2002
I knew Mike and his family for many years, they are all customers of mine. I'v been cutting their hair since their children were very young. They are a special family and I always considered them friends.I will miss Mike and hope to continue to enjoy Debbie and her children , Michael and Beth.My heart is with you all. Elaine
Rodney Callum
January 31, 2002
Michael:
You are one of those rare men that always had time to listen.
As I continue the journey of life you will always be in the back of my mind.
Until I see you again, please be safe in gods arms.
Rodney Callum
Annette Savage
January 7, 2002
I worked with Mike on several different projects over the years. What a pleasure he was to work with. It's sad to think about what happened to him. He's in a much better place now, in God's arms. Mike, I miss you!
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Chris Fletcher
December 13, 2001
Mike and I started out together on the 17th floor in the Marine Dept of A&A, back in the late seventies. Mike was the kindest, gentlest person you would ever have had the pleasure of knowing. If the bunch of us young brokers were haning out during lunch at one of the sidewalk plazas along 6th Ave, Mike was the only one who restrained himself from commenting on the ebb and flow of humanity around us.
Debbie, I can remember being at your wedding, trips to the Bronx Zoo with some common friends, Christmas parties at your first apartment.
May the thoughts and memories of Mike be softened by the absolute knowledge that he is safe in God's presence.
Toni Mongelluzzo
December 6, 2001
I am an employee of Aon. I'm with the company 16 years,working out of the Melville Office. I knew Mike Opperman for a few years, communicating through e-mails about problems I would have with the Computer. My memory of Mike Opperman was we always new he was in the Melville Office on Friday's, because he always brought in Entemann Donuts. My prays go out to his family and all the other families who have lost a dear one in this tragic event.
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