Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on April 7, 2022

Ralph Leo Oppler

Ralph Leo Oppler, 86, passed away on March 30, 2022. Born in Middletown, New York to Charles and Jetta Oppler, Ralph was introduced to the love of his life by his sister, Joan, and they married on September 22, 1957. They began their journey together at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina where he was stationed. In 1961, they headed north where they eventually settled in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Ralph became involved in many youth programs, including the town's 7th/8th grade basketball league where he became a long-time coach. Ralph had a passion for basketball and the local kids. As a result, he helped many players develop through high school by arranging and coaching high-level teams that played throughout the Metropolitan area, including Harlem and Paterson.

Ralph and Ruth eventually moved to Fair Lawn where Ralph, after a successful career as a fundraiser for B'nai B'rith International, became an entrepreneur as the sole proprietor of "Business Builders" which published guide books for the real estate industry. Ralph represented companies throughout the country with these publications. He eventually sold the business so he and Ruth could relocate to Boynton Beach, Florida where they seamlessly settled into their new home in the Majestic Isles community.

Ralph loved his new community and made many new friends. He became involved in various support groups where he became a mentor to so many. On Saturday nights, Ralph and Ruth would enjoy dinner with so many friends at The Palm Diner. They enjoyed sitting in the driveway seeing their friends and also going on cruises. As much as he loved those activities, they paled in comparison to how he felt about his family.

He was the #1 fan and cheerleader of his 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Ralph and Ruth enthusiastically looked forward to their FaceTime calls and visits following all of the accomplishments and milestones in all of their lives, not to mention all of the calls just because... Ralph was such a dedicated fan of his family, he often traveled to watch his grandchildren compete athletically around the country. It was one of his greatest joys.

Ralph was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Ruth, who passed just months before Ralph on January 9, 2022. He is survived by his three children and their spouses; son Charles and Geri Oppler, daughter Robin (Oppler) and Mark Thea and son Stephen and Lynn Oppler. They were the center of his life. That was until one by one his ten grandchildren came along. His grandchildren, who all loved and talked to their "Poppy" on a regular basis are Jacky, Michael (and his wife Lindsay), Jarrett, Grant, Danielle, Broc (and his fianc Angelica), Jessica, Sadie (and her husband Justin), Karli and Jason. As the family grew, his grandchildren blessed him with four great grandchildren, Zachary, Gabrielle, Decker and Rio. Nothing gave Poppy more pleasure than talking with his grandchildren and receiving photos and videos of his great grandchildren. He will surely miss the additional great grandchild who will arrive in the coming months. Ralph is additionally survived by cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as his sister Joan Salomon.

Ralph will forever be remembered for his heartfelt pride in family, his "Good morning" greeting any time of day, and his appreciation for all who played a special role in his life.

There will be a service Thursday at 11:30am at the Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus, NJ /Abraham and Sarah Mausoleum.

Posted online on April 04, 2022

Published in Record and Herald News

Original post:
Ralph Leo Oppler Obituary - The Record/Herald News - NorthJersey.com

Category: B'nai B'rith
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