Richard A. OPOLKA

Rich was a mentor as I explored my personal spiritual journey during high school. Though I converted to, and then eventually left, the faith, I will always remember Rich as a thoughtful, kind person who listened well, offered advice and shared life experiences. He was a good guy.

I grew up two doors away from Dickie in the old Mohr Street neighborhood. He was one of my best friends during childhood. Although we parted our ways after Hutch Tech and the Vietnam War, always remembered him as an old friend. I wonder if he kept up his interest in raising pigeons . I wish that we had kept in touch . Sorry to hear of his passing.

Rosalie - Richard is at peace now and although there will be no more February train rides to Albany for lunch & sightseeing, I'm sure Richard will be smiling down at you until you meet again. So sorry for your loss - we'll keep in touch.

Rich was a good friend, colleague, and golf buddie. My sincere condolences.

Worked with Rich at NYS Weights & Measures starting in 2000 until his retirement. Rich was a good guy. An original individual, did things his own way. He was an experienced colleague who liked to share his knowledge. And have a good time doing it. Always educational and fun to see him at meetings and training. Working in different parts of the State, we didn't get together often enough. A true gentleman. Sad that most of the current Specialists never got to know him. Condolences to the...

I first met Rich at our training school in Morrisville in 1993. We lived on opposite sides of the state so I only saw him a few times a year at conferences and staff meetings but grew to respect him as a colleague and to like him as a person. I am very sorry to learn of his passing and send sincere condolences to his family and close friends. May God bless and comfort you in this time of loss.

Rich was my supervisor, when I started working for NYS Weights and Measures. From the first day I met him - he was a gracious, helpful and kind mentor. His patient guidance and training is reflected in all of the inspectors that he trained and worked with, throughout WNY and the state. My condolences go to Rosalie and his family.

my heart aches for you rosalie...he was a such a great inspiration...i went to hutch-tech because he went to hutch-tech...i remember him telling me about seeing bob dylan in concert at kleinhans music hall around 1965...he showed me how to find the area under a curve by taking a riemann sum...my first introduction to calculus...be at peace my cousin...you were the big brother i never had...

Rich worked as a Weights and Measures Specialist I from the Buffalo area. I was his supervisor for a number of years. Rich was a dedicated, extremely intelligent, and caring employee. He was always willing to assist whenever her could. If he had a project to complete, he would complete it above and beyond my other specialists. Rich had a soft and kind voice at work. He would resolve problems and never give up until the problem was solved. I am sorry to hear about his passing on. I...