Long after Bill retired from BC North (and after his second stint out-of-retirement), I could still picture him smiling as he rounded a building before class  — cigar box in hand, filled with colored markers to illustrate layers of earth’s rocks, great and small, on the white board. He loved teaching, his students, and ‘geological time’!!  And no matter what, Bill always made [relative] time for a story or hallway-howdy!  What a guy . . .

Has it been 3 months?  Three days?  Or 3 years!  At different times it seems all 3 are true!  We are missing him so much.... nearly every day either Jon or I will say "Bill would like this"...either a tv program or if I am cooking a meal he liked, and especially when we are aware of nature.  A sunset.  A rock.  (or rather a" glacial deposit"!)  Every single time we go over the bridge where he used to have his morning coffee he comes to mind.  Some of his ashes are part of that brook now!  
The most wonderful consolation is little William!  Sandra continues to follow a path to his growth that Bill would applaud!  She takes him to little league, swimming, and tennis lessons....and if you know Sandra....these are NOT things that would have interested her years ago!!  Her devotion to Bill is continuing since she is raising his son exactly as he would have wished!  A wonderful legacy! Bill is resting in Peace.

Long Lake, NY (2008).  Still missing Bill....

Missing Billy all the time can't believe it's been 3 years.

Seems much longer than 2 years that Bill has left us.  A part of me has left this earth with him.  Life isn't always fair, especially in this instance.  I miss you, my "other brother".

How proud Bill would be at the way Sandra is raising their son!
He loves all the things Bill did.....skating (William is taking a lesson today!), hiking, autumn leaves/weather, snow, sports....and Connecticut! He can surely rest in peace knowing this!


Billy you are missed everyday by all of us. 
Remembering all the Sundays our Family had on the Beach
growing up. Love you always.

A few former cross country runners are planning a Bill Opperman memorial scholarship for the Coconut Creek kids, but we would like the family’s permission first, of course. If interested (or if this is not ok) please contact me at Joe_g1ordano@hotmail.com and I’ll get you in touch with the right people. 

We keep missing you Bill ! All your family love you so much! 
Your brother Joe 

It can't be a year!  It was just a month or so ago that he left us.  Or was it 10 years ago.  Just a loss to so many people, and an empty place in our hearts.  Make sure you have a drink to his life today!  Preferably GOOD bourbon.  And also toast to Sandra, who is doing an amazing job making sure Bill's son is being exposed to the things his dad loved!  Woods.  Rocks.  Connecticut.  Snow.  He is taking tennis and swimming lessons and is on the baseball team.  I'm hoping when they are here in July.....we add golf! Mostly, Bill had a love of family.  How blessed I was to be part of this! 
All is in control, Bill.  R I P

I have just learned (December, 2021) and am compelled to write. I was a 4-year starter on the Coconut Creek High School Cross-Country Team (1982-86). The origin here though was that as a *walk-on*, I thought running would make me a better soccer player. It did, but soon learned I was actually rather good at this -- good coaching guidance didn't hurt either. 

The track team followed and I learned to bridge important (team) gaps and be disciplined about the assignments.  In the final high school year, we were a leading running team at many levels throughout the state. I particularly remember when he assigned me a half-mile relay race as lead-off runner, and then put me in a two-mile run shortly afterwards. The practice trainings worked and he just marveled at the success of the high outputs. 

That high output translated into successful university accomplishments at Rutgers and elsewhere.  And also not to be missed here is my continued athletic career as an adult. 

This is part of Opperman's legacy. Viva "Guillermo Opperman!"

Professor Opperman was a huge influence on my life. I had just finished up a semester with him in and he pulled me to the side to talk about my future. His chat with me helped me mold my professional life and helped me become the man I am today. I wish I would have known sooner, as I have moved away and lost contact with my south Florida friends and colleagues. 

I will forever be grateful for his instruction and advice, he was a great man and I aspire to be like him. 

Thank you Professor. 

Brett

It has been two months.  Or is it two weeks?  Or two days? 
The meaning of time seems gone now.  Jon and I always counted time as related to when Bill would be here.  
I've lost count.
Marie Knudsen

I graduated from CCHS in 1985 after having run Track and Cross Country there from my sophomore through senior years. The last time I saw Coach Opperman was 1986--thirty-five years ago--when I ran with him and others as part of an unofficial running club over the summer. In the decades that have passed since then I have never forgotten the lessons Bill taught me and the other young people whom he coached. We had a small but tight-knit team, especially the Cross Country group. Most of us fit in his blue Nova! A lot of the best times were not the Track or Cross Country meets themselves, but the chatting and story-telling that took place before and after a practice session.

Of course our cohort was just one of the many that Bill Opperman coached over the course of his long career. He always told us that for good and ill the decisions we made would have consequences, even years or decades later. I "kind of" understood that at the time, but now as a man in full-blown middle age I truly comprehend the wisdom in his words.  There are so many others from before and after my high school class whose lives Coach touched.  And of course there were his decades of education and service at Broward Community College. People like him helped bring South Florida to fruition when the region expanded the way it did in the 1970s and 1980s. He taught thousands of students and helped turn BCC from a small enclave into a thriving educational institution.

Had email and text messaging existed back in those days I probably would have maintained contact with Bill, but sadly that is not how things developed. As I mentioned, after that summer of 1986 I lost contact after having left Florida permanently. Reading the other tributes to Bill Opperman it pleases me that his life continued much as I remember it from the early 1980s. I am glad too that he settled into a family life that gave him much happiness.

Thank you, Bill, for all you did for me and so many others.

Keith M.
Brooklyn NY

 Coach was a great man. Found memories said hi ever day. Always said something positive. Class of 1987

Coach was a wonderful man.  I have so many memories of him from my high school years at Coconut Creek.  The girls and boys track and cross country teams would practice after school and Coach was always out there with us all. He would talk with me as I would get ready for my race and tell me what my splits were. He give me my lap times and say Morrison pick up the pace knowing I had more in me and knew I saved to much until the end of the race. He along with Coach Box help shape my thoughts of how a good person should be. The fun times we had because coach would help chaperone our track and cross country meets. We would travel to other high schools or to the cross country invitationals. I  remember going to the meet in DeLand and also the trip to the Boardwalk. There was great memories from the Key West 7 mile bridge race. I will always keep my memories ❤ for coach near to my heart. He was humble, kind, caring, giving, and a campasionate man who will be dearly missed.  

Bill Opperman (Coach) was like a father to many of us on the cross country and track teams at Coconut Creek High School in the 1980s. Word of his passing is just now reaching many of us as we are scattered throughout the world.  He instilled in me a love of the outdoors, camping, hiking, cycling, and of course running. More important, he taught me how to be kind, compassionate, and knowledge seeking. I am a university professor because of coach,  a better community member, a better man, and the at-risk youth I work with daily are his legacy. The world is a better place because of coach, and a colder one without.  You will forever live in each of us. 

Bill was the Best Running Coach I ever Had. He was a Great Inspiration and influence. I was on his first Cross Country Team at Coconut Creek High.
I remember the first time I met him. We were training at BCC college and he was there running also. My heart goes out to his family and all the kids he inspired.

I would like to send my condolences to Sandy and family . I have never met Bill in person but have emailed him often over the years regarding the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid . He has always been the kindest in helping with family and friends to swap or rent their suite . Always had such a beautiful email from him . My thoughts and prayers to Bill ,Sandy and family . Sincerely , Jann Sharlow 

Bill was a great man and a good friend of mine. For the 27 years I taught at Broward College it was always wonderful to see him and talk with him . He was such a kind and decent man. He will be missed.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I'm so sorry. I met Bill Opperman almost twenty years ago and his enthusiasm, classes and fieldtrips inspired me to become a geologist. He was such a warm, knowledgeable, kind, and fun loving soul who touched every life he met in positive ways. 
I met up with him again a few years ago when I was contemplating a career change to teaching. It was such a pleasure to see him after all those years. Today I continue working in water resources and just recently advanced to candidacy for the PhD. This journey all started for me the day I walked into Bill's class and I am forever grateful. The many memories, I will cherish always. Heartfelt gratitude for you, Bill.

Elizabeth Geddes  PG

My condolences and deepest sympathies to the friends and family.

As we've all experienced, Bill was full of personality and a magnetic love for rocks. I had his class introductory Geology class in the spring of 2017 and I'd spend way too long after class just listening to his stories. He always loved sharing his adventures, especially those with his friend Fred, as they dug up rocks from every corner of the country. Bill inspired me to pursue Geology at UF, to try and experience that excitement he exhumed from each of his tales.

While at UF, Bill visited me twice with his colleague and friend from BC, Marcial. He brought with him many rocks and more stories to share. As we wandered around the campus, he would talk about the Geology department of yore, how it had been through so many changes, and when I gave him a tour of it's current iteration he seemed impressed and in awe of it's advancement. I flipped the tables on him as he had to listen to me rattle on about trips and rocks for once!

It has been an amazing journey that has certainly surpassed all expectations I held. From traveling across the country just to see some niche rock, camping with friends, to teaching kids about Geology. There is so much I would not have experienced without Bill.  

I hope to radiate that same friendliness and inspiration towards  others that Bill showed towards me. 

With profound respect,

Daniel Goch

(The photo is of Bill and I next to the "Outcrop of Honor" when he visited UF two years ago, in 2019. In between us are his contributions, two memorials- one for his mother and one for his friend, Fred Olsen.)



I first met Bill in the 1980s at the 7 mile bridge road race. We instantly clicked and had many adventures together. 
He had his Chevy Nova then which was kinda blue and covered with body putty because Bill swore he would drive it forever, which was the name of the book he had on cars. ...and he almost did!  It wasn’t until the door fell off and the steering wheel pulled out that he gave it up.
We traveled all over Europe on trains, he was interested in everything especially the local rocks, and collected stories from everyone.  We hiked 262 miles from southern Vermont to Canada.  In that time, Bill pulled me out of gorges, encouraged me through a swamp and tolerated my fear of lean to mice with incredible patience.  
Bill was dedicated to science and scoffed at superstition.  The best example is when he swiped a piece of lava from Kilowea volcano in Hawaii defying the jealous goddess Pele.

Bill was a big part of who I am today with all I learned from him.  I will always love him. 
Susan 


Bill was on the committee that hired me in 1978. The blackboard diagrams I drew teaching Astronomy were taught to me by Bill who drew them on napkins while we had lunch together. I looked forward to every story he told. Whenever he  asked me to join him in the geology lab for his latest project I'd drop whatever I was doing because I knew it would be fun and educational. 

Bill was a one-of-a-kind teacher, always clear, empathetic, funny and devoted to science. I once team taught a class with Bill  where each of us taught the class for a few weeks. Teaching a class after Bill  was like trying to give a speech after Abraham Lincoln.

Bill's humanity (humility, humor, curiosity, skillfulness, helpfulness, and more) was in another league.  My 3rd grade teacher gave me a science book and inscribed some words I haven't forgotten but which apply more to Bill: "your humility is a candle to your virtue."  I will forever be thankful to have known Bill Opperman.

Photo: Bill visiting me in Boston in March 2019.

I knew Bill for close on 60 years, going back to our early cycling days in Ft. Lauderdale when he was in college and I was in high school. Later our paths crossed again at the university in Ganesville. Riding together through the surrounding countryside, we also talked a lot, about rocks as well as life in general, and I came to learn a lesson that I never forgot: that there are people like him in this world who really love what they choose as their life's work, and through him I saw  that it was possible for me also.

Years later, our paths crossed once again down here. We started seeing each other at running races, and then resumed bike riding. His evident contentment with teaching reinforced my admiration for him as a person who had chosen his course and made good with it.

More years went by, and once again we were back in touch, this time through Susan, who encouraged me to reconnect with Bill. I did, I was invited to join breakfast bike rides with him, Susan and some of their their BSC chums, and before I knew it it was just like old times. Same old Bill, couldn't let teaching go, still with tales of rocks and how old this world really is. The renewal of the old friendship over the last few years was a very important thing for me, and one I will greatly miss. 

Rest in peace, old friend.

From Heliana:

Estimada Sandra

Reciba nuestras más sentidas condolencias ante la pérdida  de tu esposo. Su partida nos dejo muy tristes. Además de un querido amigo, Bill era una persona especial y lo extrañaremos mucho . Que la fuerza de la fé la conforte a usted y a su família. Cuente con nuestro apoyo e amistad. Un gran abrazo.


Bill Opperman was a truly amazing person. He will always stand out in my mind as one of the most knowledgeable, friendly, and humble people I have ever met. Having heard countless stories of his many adventures “out in the field,” I realize too that I’ll probably never meet another story teller like Bill.  He was able to point out the seemingly simplest features of the world around you and take you on a much deeper and fascinating journey than you would have ever have thought was possible. You always learned a lot on that journey too. Things you could use in the classroom or the lab. Maps, rocks, pieces of glass, a dripping faucet, old computers … there was never a shortage of things Bill could walk over to and begin expounding upon. 
 

The last time I saw Bill he helped my independent study student and I fix some telescopes he had used decades ago in his night classes. We learned more about the telescopes in the hour we spent with him than in many months of research and consultation with experts. It was a perfect example of how he was always willing to help give useful insights and show you how to solve just about any problem that might occur in the lab or the field. 

As an educator, a scientist, a story teller and a friend, I will never know another person like Bill Opperman. 

Such a tremendous loss to all who knew Bill.  His ability to captivate us with a story of a rock, this rock, any rock...somehow left you begging to hear more!  He was funny, intelligent, truly fascinating and incredibly missed.

Broward College has always been the daily home and adopted family to many.  Professor Bill Opperman was a beloved member of the Broward family, who for over 40 decades contributed to the academic rigor of thousands of students. North Campus paid their respects last night because Bill was beloved. We showed up because Bill showed up for our students. He shared his profound knowledge of Geology unselfishly with all who knew him. It was a pleasure to meet little William and Sandra, albeit under sad circumstances. May your treasured memories bring you peace.

Dr. Barbara J Bryan, President Emerita, North Campus BC

Dr. Kevin Keating, North Campus BC

Professor Ira Alan Spector North Campus BC


As a geology student of Professor Opperman in 2002 -- GLY1005H -- I can't say enough good things about not only about the learning experience in his class, but Professor Opperman made geology fun.  With his cigar box of colored chalk, he brought-to-life his teachings with under appreciated artistry.  Not only do I still have my class notes and textbook, I review them from time to time because all of that information is still relevant to this day.

That year, Professor Opperman nominated fellow honors geology classmate, Elizabeth Quinn and I for the Arthur R. Marshall Environmental Science Fellowship.  That experience was so life influencing, Elizabeth changed her major to geology and went on receive graduate degrees in environmental sciences.  On a quirky note, the only day of college I ever missed was when Professor Opperman invited his honors geology students to a field trip to Lake Okeechobee.  We all thoroughly enjoyed that adventure, in part because Professor Opperman was both exceptionally knowledgeable and quite funny with his observations.

The world is a little less knowledgeable and little less nice now that Professor Opperman is gone.  I'm sure I'm not alone when I say, he might be gone but he will certainly never be forgotten!

Bill was on the committee that hired me to teach geology after his retirement almost 11 years ago. It was such an honor that he believed I was worthy of following his legacy. He continued to be my mentor and friend for many years and I treasure every rock, map, and new teaching idea he shared with me.  I continue to teach with him in my heart. 

I'll never forget you, Bill. Thank you for believing in me.

Your friend always,
Reanna

I was hired  in January of 1976, and Bill was hired in June of that same year. Our boss suggested that I sublet my apartment while I went to New Jersey for the summer so Bill would have more time to find an apartment in the area. I was hesitant, so when I met Bill, I made him agree that he would leave no decaying vegetable matter or rotten animal products in my refrigerator, no newspapers all over my living room floor, and no dirty bathrooms with bacteria or mold growing on my bathroom fixtures. I threatened Bill that I would take a hatchet to his office if he did not comply with my mandates. Upon my return from vacation, my apartment looked spotless, but when I opened the closet in the hallway,  the entire closet from floor to ceiling was filled with hundreds of pounds of all kinds of rocks! I opened my curtains and there was a gigantic boulder on my second-floor balcony! I phoned him Bill to ask him when he was coming over to get his rocks, especially the boulder, and he commented, "I thought girls liked big rocks!"
That was the start of a decades-long close friendship.  
Bill originated the annual Math-Science Holiday Party after winning a turkey in the North Campus Turkey Trot of 1976. Bill approached me and said, "I'll bring the cranberry sauce if you cook the turkey!" We had continued the holiday party tradition through 2019 (the pandemic squelched the 2020 party plans).
I will miss Bill's wonderful stories, his sense of humor, our many adventures, and his friendship. He was always right there to offer a hand if anyone needed help, and he always placed the needs of others above his own. My life has been forever changed and enriched because I knew him.
Photo: the annual "platform" send off as Bill heads to Connecticut in December, 2019
Marcey Carabelli

Bill and I built a lot of things together. Everyone knows he was an excellent teacher, but many may not know that he also had amazing carpentry skills. I remember when he helped me (just for fun) build beach stairway in Hillsboro Miles. Any couple of "normal dudes" would take 3 or 4 days, but Bill and I spent 3 weeks because we had our own rhythm of doing things.  We would arrive in the afternoon, we enjoyed the sound of the sea, the breeze and then we worked a little ... lol. We didn't want that project to end quickly. We had a couple of beers of course, but not only that. Bill always reminded me that normal people, after work, would return home immediately, but not us; Bill and I always stop on the way home, at a Latin Restaurant, order sushi, a beer and return home with sushi to-go order for my sister Sandra (so she wouldn't bother) lol. I have a thousand stories with Bill, we built many things together, but the most important was our brotherhood. I'm going to miss you for the rest of my life. I hope someday I can see you again.

Bill came from an era where you could take a few extra courses before choosing a major. He almost did not choose Geology, but we are all better for it. His passion for the field of Geology was second to none. On our hikes, I was the recipient of many impromptu lessons on not just science, but life itself. 

One of my fondest memories was being his “lookout” while he “procured” some “rocks”. He very proudly donated them to his beloved Broward colleagues and his last Geology student who was attending Florida at the time. He cherished that trip to his alma mater as he relieved some of the best years of his life while he was attending UF. I was privileged to accompany him on his last trip to UF.


Solo tengo recuerdos maravillosos con el tío Bill, una gran ejemplo de bondad, honestidad, respeto y amor para todos aquellos que tuvimos la dicha de tenerlo en nuestras vidas. Una persona que significó tanto para mis dos hijos, no tendré nunca palabras para agradecer todo el amor con que trataste a mis hijos , que hoy por hoy están sufriendo una de las pérdidas más grandes de sus vidas , pero se que el legado que deste en ellos distará por siempre . Descansa en paz , se que donde quiera que estes , estás gozando de dicha , porque solo huellas positivas sembraste en vida . Siempre te recordaremos y cuidaremos de baby William y tu amada esposa, nos comprometemos a que tu hijo sepa cuánto lo amaste y lo maravillosa persona que fuiste . Que regalo mas lindo para mi ahijado , tener el honor de ser tu hijo . Un abrazo para toda tu hermosa familia.

Dear Sandra and Little William,  we are so sad and heartbroken over the loss of Bill.  We feel lucky that we all got to know him, and you both as well, and be a part of your family...  He was one of the most decent, good and kind men we've ever known, with such an easy smile.  His stories were so entertaining, it was really fun to listen to him....
 We hope you take comfort in all the wonderful memories.   Love,  Cousins Sharon and Joe Cammilleri, and all our family

Bill Opperman could make everybody laugh; for example, when playing as Ed McMahon in a Karnak skit.

Bill Opperman introduced me and my wife Gail Long to road races. Pictured here are Bill O, Susan Oldfather, and me after a race.

We send our deepest sympathies to Sandra, William, Marie and Jon. We knew Bill and family through our shared ownership at the Lodge in Lake Placid and enjoyed owner's breakfasts together. It was always fun to visit when we were there together and we will cherish the memories. Dave and Kate McGrath

My earliest memories of Bill were from when the cousins from Florida would come to visit Waterbury, CT every summer.  I was only a kid but Bill always had some rocks or fossils and stories to tell.  Bill would eventually visit almost every year, especially around Christmas. 
 Over the years Bill and I shared many adventures together on bike trips, hiking and winter camping...or just talking about life in general.  He was a huge influence on me and I know he influenced many other including the students he taught as well as friends and family.  There will never be another Bill.  His memory will live with me forever.   My thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and little William.

My wonderful husband Bill, I missed you more than ever and I don’t know what to do. Since you left, you are constantly in my mind and my heart. There is a big void inside of me but with so many beautiful memories of the times we shared  together. The memories invade my mind thinking of those days that we were together and those days that will never come again. You are and will always be the love of my life. You had so many virtues. You were genuine, sincere, trustworthy, funny, gentle, fair, adventurous and courageous. I admired that you always did what you wanted to do, my adventurous and free soul. You have left me with the most valuable treasure “our son”  “baby William” as you called him. I promise that I will not let William forget you. I hope he follows your steps and becomes the valuable and exceptional wonderful person you were. My son has lost his best friend, the one that thought him to love the woods and the mountains, to have fun in the snow and to just enjoyed what life brings.  There was nothing that stopped you from enjoying life to the fullest. You always had plan A and plan B and no matter what happened you went for and had fun. I will miss you as long as I live. 



I am deeply sorry 
My prayers are with you Sandra and William

Sandra and William.,
Our hearts our broken. We loved Bill ❤️
He was not only our neighbor he was a wonderful friend to us. We loved all of his stories of his wonderful life. He loved you both very much.
He will be missed everyday by us.
Please know WE ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU.
Love,
Greg , Joan and Matthew

Together... elementary school, altar boys, soap box racing, high school, college,  bar hopping, girls, drives to Conn., hiking adventures, playing practical jokes on one another and others are but a few of the memories. Individually, Air Force for Bill; Navy, mostly submarine duty for me. College...Bill went for science, I went for the arts. No matter where life took us, we still stayed connected, not as cousins but,  as brothers in kind.

Religion was a different story, Bill went agnostic thinking science had all the answers. I hope that in his last days he learned that Science can only discover what God permits and that God's mercy will prevaile.

   *For those who don't believe, no explanation is possible. For those who do believe, no explanation is necessary."

 Bill will always be in my heart but also in my prayers.

Ah, Bill.  What to say about this wonderful friend of mine?  Random thoughts:
He loved life, everything about it, had an inquisitive mind and always optimistic.  Ready to try new things and think outside
the box...actually, there was no box.
A great scientific mind.  Anything to do with earth science -
minerals, fossils, geologic history, astronomy, chemistry,
physics.  Always a wealth of knowledge.  I could never get
enough of it.
A great story-teller.  We never tired of his stories, even hearing
them a second or third time.  Almost always with a funny element
to them, and often a lesson to learn.
Loved his wife Sandra and "Li'l Will", who were both crazy about
him.  He had so much to offer Li'l Will before this unfair interruption shortened his life.
Bill would visit us often, coming to CT from FL every 2 or 3
months.  He was welcome to stay as long as he wanted.  It was never long enough.
We all loved the 3 Stooges.  Bill was Moe, I was Curly.  Woe to who ever was with us to have to assume the position of Larry!
Don't forget the outdoors.  Bill loved nature, was in great
physical shape, better shape than I was, and he was 11 years
older than me.  Biking, skating, hiking were all his thing.
Loved his cousin Marie (my wife).  They were really brother
and sister.
Rest easy in the after-life, Bill.  He is neither in heaven or hell,
because he & I don't believe they exist.  There is something
more to life than just dying, but we will never understand what that is, while we are alive.
But Bill understands now. ..


Uncle Bill was a figure while growing up as my fathers cousin and my baptismal godfather.   Aunt Betty was also a big part of my childhood growing up spending time with them in Miami.   As I went to Broward North Campus, I remember stopping by and seeing Uncle Bill and enjoying his stories like so many have shared.    I’ve followed Bill’s life journey through updates from my father that I enjoyed hearing about William and tempering my childhood growing up with Bill.   Rest In Peace, Uncle Bill.    

To anyone who may be interested.......Bill's and my mother were sisters and pregnant with us at the same time.   What fun they must have had comparing notes with each other during that time! My mom wanted a boy...but Aunt Betty wanted a girl.  So they 'traded' us from time to time.  My mom would take Bill skiing, hiking, golfing....."guy" things.  Bill's mom would buy me totally impractical shoes, perfume, jewelry....and even my first black bra!  They encouraged us to write to each other when we were kids and made sure we talked for a minute on the phone when they had their regular Sunday afternoon phone calls.  Long-distance  calls were expensive in those days!  The closeness they encouraged continued throughout our lives.  We spent very few Christmases without each other.  We even had a double wedding!   
For me, Bill is not gone.  He will be with me every day for the rest of my life.  When I see snow falling,  Autumn woods perfect for hiking,  and numerous things I see in nature...... I will think of him.  Even when I go over the little bridge near my house he used to walk to every morning  with a cup of coffee .  And the Zipline he installed in the back yard......looking forward to the day William would enjoy it.  And the "projects'" he completed with Jon when he was here will have special meaning now........... shelves, a cabinet,  loose boards on the deck.  He always wanted to have a project when he came.  I feel so blessed to have had Bill  in my life.  He was a devoted son, loving  husband, terrific father , loyal friend..........and a wonderful cousin/brother to me.  The  lifelong 77 year- long journey we  shared together on this earth has ended.   Rest in peace, Billy.  

Met Bill and Sandra at their dual wedding with my brother, Jon, and his lovely wife, Marie (Bill's cousin). Had the pleasure of meeting with Bill several times at Jon and Marie's house. And also in Stowe, VT. We all got to play in the snow up there. Bill, Sandra, Jon, Marie, and Lil'Will. See photo. Also Got to look at a comet--I brought a decent telescope with me. And we observed other deep-sky objects. BUT it was a bit cold, like -5F.  We stayed out as long as out bodies allowed. But it was awesome! And Bill, being the geologist that he was, informed us about the CT river valley, and how, back in the glacier era, there was a huge dam that formed just north of Hartford, CT. Along with a huge lake. And then the dam finally broke, and formed the lower CT river. It was awesome knowing Bill, and I'll never forget him.

Bill was my friend and mentor. I have fond memories of us working together or going to a conference. One of the fun times we had was going to Austin, TX for a conference in 2013. I introduced him to Texas barbeque for the first time. He loved the barbeque brisket sandwich he had and always spoke fondly of the trip. I will miss him dearly.
My heart goes out to you and the family.

Attached is a picture of Bill pointing at pink granite from Austin.
We were visiting the University of Texas.

- Henri Liauw A Pau

We have only known Bill and Sandra for a few years but they have become family to us. I have not met a more generous giving person. The things he has done for us and the things we have seen him do for other people are without parallel.  We were looking through pictures we took together as a group and we noticed in most every picture he was holding Sandra’s hand and had a great smile. We could tell he loved Sandra very much and would move Heaven and Earth for her if she asked him too. We saw him roll around with William on the ground and play. William love his father and we could tell that Bill was “Baby William’s” best friend. He always wanted to make sure we felt at home in his house. I started to refer to his house as Bill and Sandra’s Steak House. Yary told me she loved his sense of humor. Some of things Bill would say:
“I wonder if the sell T-shirts here?” as he is surrounded by T-shirts at a Store at Disney.
“ After marrying Sandra I learned how much variety there was in Latin food. Sometimes you could have rice with beans or you could have beans with rice. On the next day you could have chicken and rice, and  the day after you could  rice and chicken. 

I could go on and on.

I will miss talking to him about the world he loved so much. He was a man of the earth in the most truest sense. A piece of our hearts is missing. We will miss Bill so much but thank God he gave us “Baby William,” to make all of our hearts whole.

My deepest sympathies on the loss of Bill   I had the honor and pleasure of meeting him and became an instant fan. It was many years ago but seems like yesterday. He was the type of person that became an instant friend. A gentle soul that I know will be greatly missed. My prayers and thoughts are with the family especially you Marie and Jon.  Peace and love. Midge

My dear uncle Bill,

My mentor and one of my role models. It’s impossible to express how much I loved and admired uncle Bill.  

He took me to my first day of school in kindergarten and to my first interview 13 years later.  He thought me to ice skate and it became our tradition to go together, followed by a drink at one of his favorite spots. He watched me graduate High School, get my license, and start college at his alma mater, MDC. 

Just by observing his way of living I learned to “think critically”. He thought me to just worry about things you have control over, appreciate peace and quiet, savor a good desert and drink, enjoy watching a good movie, read a good book, and appreciates wilderness. 

I am sure that I will never meet someone like him. Even though is sad, I am privileged that I got to know him and hear his stories. I will do my best to pass his knowledge and stories to my little cousin William. I hope I can be for him what uncle Bill was for me. 

My cousin Bill had a trick he used to do; basically it was three-card monte, but with three walnut shells and a pea instead of cards.   He would put the pea under one of the shells and then switch them around and then challenge me to pick out which one the pea was under. He would lift the shell I selected, and there would never be a pea -- I was ALWAYS wrong.

"The hand is quicker than the eye," he would say with his trademark twinkle.

It was years before I figured out that there was a bit of chewing gum under one of his walnut shells, sticking the pea to the top, making it disappear.  

Bill could make peas and walnuts fun. 

Bill could make anything fun. He always had a trick or a story or a joke or a saying or an interesting fact or a quote. 

He was the life of any party and the hub of our extended family. 

His sense of humor has infiltrated my life and language. Whenever my gas tank is low, I say, "My gauge is reading between Empty and Walk." Classic cousin Bill quote.  Just one example.

To his friends and family, all up and down the Eastern seaboard, my heart is with you and I grieve with you.  

How we will miss him.

Bill and I were colleagues at Broward Community College  for a couple decades, but we became friends when we began biking together after we both retired.  Biking will never be the same now that Bill is gone. I really miss him. Heartfelt sympathies to Sandra and Little William.

Família Opperman e Solarzano, estamos muito triste com a perda irreparável de nosso eterno amigo Bill! Que Deus com sua infinita glória amor e misericórdia conforte seus corações. Bill descanse em paz! 

I have fond memories of cousin Bill. When I was in Junior High School in Hialeah and Bill began teaching, he became a substitute Science teacher for my 8th grade class. I remember the 1st day of class his name was on the board and all eyes turned to me as we shared Opperman as a last name. We became close and although I moved to NC the next year we kept in touch for many years. Sadly, the last time I saw Bill was at Aunt Betty's service. I pray peace and love for his family.

There are no words that can express the loss of such a wonderful man, husband, father and friend. I have so many fond memories growing up of Cousin Bill. I loved listening to stories of his many adventures. We always looked forward to his annual Christmas visits to Connecticut. Each Christmas I still put up the hand made snowman with light up pipe and the reindeer with the light up nose he had given  us.  He truly lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by all. He is now watching over us along with Aunt Betty and Sister Agnes. We pray that the lord give Sandra strength during this tremendously difficult time and watch over their son. God Bless. 
Bill & Cindy Fitzmaurice 

All long-timers at "BCC" North Campus (and everyone who worked on North) cherished Bill & his huge smile!  Bill personified goodwill and dedication to Broward College; he was a man who 'lived and breathed' professionalism.  I still recall Bill's loyalty when a campus Dean resigned under pressure.  Bill emailed the entire college to suggest tributes that included establishing a scholarship in the Dean's name.  A storyteller of the first degree, Bill had a story for every rock he'd found or displayed!  In fact, the mammoth fossil rock in front of the Science Bldg. on North stands as one of Bill's legendary feats.
From chance hallway chats or early morning encounters as Bill  returned from his regular AM runs, I loved hearing his A-to-Z stories about random natural phenomena.  Recalling that cigar box he carried FULL of colored chalk always made me wish I was taking one of his classes!  With his engaging, upbeat personality ... friendly exchanges ... and natural collegiality,  Bill would ask about my young kids, reminiscing about the early years when he'd spot them on campus ... OR, when the "caring community" of North Campus turned out on the green for a community hour.  Bill's  integrity, character, and principle defined his presence;  he wanted the best for students, supported his colleagues across the campus, and believed fervently in Broward College.                   
 
Celebrating the Life and extraordinary spirit of Professor William (Bill) Opperman . . . and offering warm condolences to Bill's family.  

OBITUARY

William Richard Opperman

August 20, 1943 – February 11, 2021

Babione Funeral Home

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