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885 Niagara Falls Boulevard
Amherst, New York
Richard OPOLKA Obituary
Of Buffalo, entered into rest on August 31, 2020. Beloved husband of Rosalie (nee Ziemba) Opolka; loving son of the late Joseph and Helen Opolka; dear brother-in-law of the late David (Jane) Ziemba; cherished uncle of Robert (Shannon) Ziemba and Christine (Danny) Tolbert; great-uncle of Valerie and Jillian Ziemba; also survived by relatives and friends. Visitation at the LOMBARDO FUNERAL HOME, (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., on Wednesday from 5-7 PM and on Thursday from 1-3 and 5-7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Leo the Great Church, 885 Sweet Home Rd., on Friday morning at 9:15 o'clock (please assemble at Church). Online condolences may be offered at www.lombardofuneralhome.com. Pursuant to NYS guidelines, a 33% occupancy will be observed.
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard OPOLKA
Andy Grosser, Boston MA
March 15, 2023
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.
Dennis D. Jason
December 9, 2022
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.
janice lorenz
September 5, 2020
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.
Ross J Andersen
September 3, 2020
Rich was a good friend, colleague, and golf buddie. My sincere condolences.
Lou Tipaldo
September 3, 2020
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 family, who should be proud of how respected he was in his career.
Joseph Brino
September 3, 2020
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.
Mike Smith
September 3, 2020
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.
Lawrence Burzynski
September 2, 2020
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...
John W. Tarbox
September 2, 2020
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 will never forget Rich and kindness.
David A Przybylski
September 2, 2020
Dear Rosalie & Family : I am very sorry to hear that Dickie passed away and that I am not able to be there in person to express my condolences. Dickie was always good to me from the Snoopy painting in my bedroom at age 5 to taking me to Sabres games , etc. I know he was sick so perhaps we can be relieved that he will suffer no longer . Take care . Cousin David
Mary Jane Meiler
September 1, 2020
What beautiful memories I have as a child and fun-loving, energetic cousin, Dickie/Richard, coming over to our house to take us out to do something outdoors and fun! He is free. No more pain. No more suffering. He is whole again. My prayers and love are with you, Rosalie.
John Marsh
September 1, 2020
My deepest sympathies go out to all of the family.
I always enjoyed working and talking with Rich.
he was a very honorable man, and always had my respect.
Sincerely,
John Marsh, Senior Deputy, (retired) Erie County Bureau of Weights and Measures
Norman and Debbie Przybylski
September 1, 2020
Our hearts are with you Rosalie... Dickie was a dear cousin. While in my teens, he used to pick me up each weekend to jog 5 miles through Delaware Park, rain, snow, sun... He gave me his beloved 1966 Ford Falcon which I ran extensively. I remember his love for music, golf and aggravating his mom and granny with big hugs! Debbie and I enjoyed your hospitality so many years ago. God bless you and the memory Dickie leaves behind.
Diane Massett
September 1, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to you, Rosalie. I will always remember him as being young, taking us ice skating or toboganning. Rest in Peace.
Blair
September 1, 2020
My deepest sympathies you sent out to you. Richard always made me smile. He will truly be missed.
Ronald Pokorski
September 1, 2020
Grew up with Dickie, good guy, knew Rosalie and Dave Ziemba too from the old neighborhood. Deepest sympathies for the loss of an old friend.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
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Visitation
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Lombardo Funeral Home - Amherst Chapel (Northtowns Chapel)885 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY 14226
Sep
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Lombardo Funeral Home - Amherst Chapel (Northtowns Chapel)885 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY 14226
Sep
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Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lombardo Funeral Home - Amherst Chapel (Northtowns Chapel)885 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY 14226
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Lombardo Funeral Home - Amherst Chapel (Northtowns Chapel)885 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY 14226
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