Dr. Peter Kent Opper

1946 - 2023

OPPER, Dr. Peter Kent, 77, professor, social worker, lawyer and author, died on November 24, 2023 after a lengthy struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Peter was born on April 30, 1946. He was the son of Max and Diane Opper. He spent his early childhood in the Bronx and his teenage years in Paterson, New Jersey. For the last 39 years he and Roberta, his wife of 54 years, have called Richmond home. In addition to Roberta, survivors include his son Mark Opper and wife Rachel and his daughter Erica Opper Midboe and husband Per. He also leaves four precious grandchildren, Devan and Levi Opper and Per David and Michaela Midboe. Peter also leaves a sister-in-law, Adrienne Maslin, brother-in-law David Maslin, and nephew, Spencer Maslin, as well as many cousins and friends.

Peter attended East Side High School in Paterson, New Jersey. He was a standout in extra curricular activities and leadership and was inducted into National Honor Society.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickenson University, Peter went on to earn four graduate degrees. He had a Masters Degree and a Ph.D in American History from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He taught history as a visiting professor at North Carolina Central University, and later at the University of Kentucky where he won an award for teaching excellence.

In the late 1970s, Peter made a career change and earned an MSW from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work. In the early 1980s, he became the Clinical Supervisor at Jewish Family Services of Richmond, later becoming Executive Director of the agency, a position he held for the next 14 years. Peter used his skills in historical research and writing to author a history of JFS from its founding as the Ladies' Hebrew Benevolent Association in 1849 to the 150th anniversary of JFS in 1999. His book, "Like a Giant Oak," was his gift to the agency.

At the age of 55, Peter enrolled in University of Richmond School of Law. He spent the latter years of his career as an attorney with the Virginia Department of Health Professions. When he retired in 2014, he and Roberta spent the next six winters enjoying sunny Tucson, Arizona, an area that he particularly loved.

As a child, Peter loved summer camp, sports and nature. As an adult, he spent long hours at the gym lifting weights, swimming laps and exercising. At age 50, he became an avid runner. He eventually went on to run 45 full marathons including running the Boston Marathon twice, a particularly important milestone for him.

By far, the most important accomplishment to Peter was his family. He loved his children, Mark and Erica, unreservedly. He believed each of his four grandchildren were destined for greatness and was looking forward to witnessing their successes and the marks they would make on the world.

The family would like to thank the caring nurses from Heartland Hospice who assisted Peter through his battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Also, Kimberly Williams, social worker extraordinaire, offered compassionate support and expert practical advice.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 27 at 11 a.m. at Congregation Beth Ahabah followed by burial in Hebrew Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the home of Roberta Opper, 5100 Monument Ave, Apt. 614 on Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Peter's love of Southern Jewish history, memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives, 1109 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220.