Stuart Alden Opdahl, 77, most recently of Newtown, and formerly of Bedford, Huntington Station, and Bethpage, N.Y., died August 7 after an extended illness. Born in Bethpage, December 20, 1937, he was the youngest son of the late Clara and Olaf Opdahl.

Mr Opdahl graduated with a BS in biology from Long Island University, and received a master’s from Hofstra University. He completed 42 credits in a doctoral program in educational administration at St John’s University, and held a permanent certificate for school administrator and supervisor and school district administrator. Early in his career, Mr Opdahl taught middle school math in the East Meadow School District and advanced placement biology and chemistry at Bethpage High School. In 1966, he began a career in school administration that would span over four decades, taking positions of increased responsibility in Bronxville Public Schools, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen, Hicksville Public Schools, Norwalk Public Schools, and Oxford Public Schools. 

While holding positions such as chief operating officer, assistant superintendent for business, and superintendent of schools, he gained an extensive background in facilities construction and management, financial operations including budget development and control, public relations, human relations and personnel management, food services, and leadership. Even when forced to retire due to failing health, he remained active in volunteering his services and writing articles for publication in various school-related journals.

Mr Opdahl was also an active member and leader of many professional organizations, including the Association of School Business Officials and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. He was a lauded colleague, visionary, and creative problem solver who was known for his generosity and supportiveness. He worked as tirelessly for the children in the communities he served, as he did for his own children and grandchildren.

If he did not have a book or pen in his hand, he was holding a hammer, a drill, or a wrench. His effectiveness in the boardroom was only surpassed by his proficiency in construction and renovation. He could do it all — carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry — and there were typically multiple projects occurring at once. He worked tirelessly on his homes in his free time and was quick to lend a helping hand at the residences of family and friends.

Though his career kept him busy, he always found time to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events. He had a lifelong love of sports, especially football. In his later years, Mr Opdahl’s failing health and decreased mobility prevented him from doing many of the things he had dedicated his life to. However, he moved through each challenge with grace and a smile on his face. 

Mr Opdahl will forever be remembered and loved by those whose lives he touched. His wife of 52 years, Janis (Packy) Opdahl; sons James of Newtown, Darryl, and his wife Debra, of Norwalk, John, and his wife Karen, of Rockville, Md., and Matthew, and his wife Sarah, of New Fairfield; daughter Dorian Cundari, and her husband James, of Brookfield; a brother, Everett Opdahl, of Glen Arm, Md.; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families survive Mr Opdahl. He was adored by his eight grandchildren, Evan, Jillian, Tristan, Jessica, Ethan, Ingrid, Jordan, and Phoebe. His brothers, Robert and Roger Opdahl, predeceased him.

Visitation will take place Friday, August 14, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown. A celebration of life service will take place at 11 am, Saturday, August 15, also at the Honan Funeral Home, and followed by interment at Newtown Village Cemetery on Elm Drive, Newtown. All are encouraged to attend.

Stuart dedicated his life to children and had noted that the greatest joy of his career was his time in the classroom. Memorial contributions in Stuart’s memory can be made to an educational foundation of choice, the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org, or the American Parkinson Disease Association at www.apdaparkinson.org.

Online condolences may be offered at www.honanfh.com.