BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
PARK RIDGE, N.J.—After more than three decades in public service—including the last seven years on the Borough Council—Councilman Robert Oppelt officially departs following the Jan. 1, 2019, meeting as newly-elected Councilman John P. Ferguson joins the council.
While he leaves the council in January, the upcoming year will mark another personal milestone and celebration for Oppelt: 50 years of marriage to his wife Randi on Aug. 9. Oppelt has two daughters, Victoria and Jessica, a son, Jason, and five grandchildren.
A resident since 1977, Oppelt, 72, said his more than 15 years on the Planning Board helped him immensely when he campaigned for and won a seat on the council in 2012.
Oppelt called his Planning Board tenure “an eye-opener for me” as it provided a close-up view of borough policy-making and led to important relationships with borough professionals.
“It’s a great training ground for the council because you get to know a lot about what goes on in town,” said Oppelt, adding he sat “in on a lot of hearings” over the years.
He also said he learned “not to fear asking a stupid question” because several times questions he asked made a significant difference in how a project evolved.
Oppelt was a U.S. Navy veteran having served on a destroyer during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968. He said one accomplishment he was most proud of during his council years was in 2012, when he played a pivotal role in honoring resident Jed C. Barker, a U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor recipient killed in action in Vietnam, with a memorial featuring a large engraved plaque.
“Talk about high points; that was surely a high point,” Oppelt said.
Veterans appreciated
Oppelt also said as a council liaison to local veterans he helped them get more involved in town matters and events.
“I think they now feel much closer to the town than before and it’s good that they feel an important part of the community,” he said, citing recent Memorial Day parades as an example.
Throughout the years, Oppelt has served on the Green Team, served as manager and coach for baseball, softball, and basketball teams, and was indoor soccer commissioner.
He served on the startup committee for Office of Emergency Management and was a member of the former Juvenile Conference Committee.
He also served on the Tenafly Fire Department and Bergenfield Fire Rescue Squad.
Over a 50-plus-year career, Oppelt has worked for various employers in the international cargo logistics and shipping business, and continues working today.
Looking back, he said he disliked campaigning for council, having to knock on doors every weekend for months. However, once elected he said his work as a liaison between PKRG-TV, the borough’s public access station, and as fire commissioner helped improve both services.
He noted that PKRG-TV televises council meetings, municipal debates, budget hearings and town sports events, which provides residents with up-to-date local news and events.
And how about non-civic pursuits? Oppelt continues to enjoy his favorite sport, bowling, for nearly four decades, and only two years ago bowled a near-perfect 299 score in a league at Montvale Lanes.
Oppelt encouraged more people to become involved in local committees, activities and community affairs, noting the benefits, including social engagement and community betterment.
“The people of Park Ridge who are involved are very super-dedicated, but, many of us, we’re getting older. We need people to become involved, to join a club, or something interesting to them. We’re always looking for volunteers on the recreation committee,” he added.