ROCKVILLE, MD. – Edward E. Oppenheim, of Rockville, Md., 84, passed on Jan. 7, 2004. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Molly (Kagan) Oppenheim to whom he was married for 56 years. Mr. Oppenheim was born and raised in Rumford, the son of Frances and Benjamin Oppenheim. He was a resident of the Washington area for more than 60 years. He graduated the University of Maine in Orono, then served in the U.S. Army as an officer stationed in England in during World War II, and returned home to take a position as a clerk typist at the old Temporary Navy Buildings in Downtown Washington. At night he pursued advanced degrees, and was awarded an L.L.B. from Georgetown University, and subsequently an L.L.M. from Catholic University. He continued his military career as a reservist retiring after 20 years as a major and writing many award winning economic reports during his tours of active duty. He was admitted to the bars of the District of Columbia and Maryland, and qualified to represent clients before the United States Supreme Court. As a deputy to the Assistant Secretary of Defense, he wrote speeches for the Secretary during the Kennedy era, specializing in cost containment. He held many other positions in government as well, including Economist with the Navy Department, contract negotiator for the Bureau of Aerospace, editor of the Defense Management Journal, and deputy director for Economic Adjustment. In the later position he was part of a team responsible for converting closed military installations to economically viable community institutions. He felt that this work was his most significant as it represented government directly helping communities on a local level as they adjusted to the realities of the private marketplace. Many community colleges and municipal airports throughout the country can trace their beginnings to this program. After his retirement he was recalled as a consultant to document how effective the program had been and was very gratified by the results 10 years later. Upon retiring from government service, Mr. Oppenheim practiced law for five years in Bethesda, Md., fulfilling a life long dream. Mr. Oppenheim was a charming and witty person of great integrity who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was active in many community organizations, helping to found the Oakview Civic Association in Silver Spring, and then to form a group that built one of the first community swimming pools of the era. He took pride in performing pro bono law services in Montgomery County after establishing his law practice. For the last 15 years of his life, he suffered from a progressive spinal cord deterioration that eventually required around the clock care. Despite his medical issues, he managed to supervise his own care, as well as the affairs of several family members, and remained alert to his last day. He rarely complained. Instead he continued to help those around him to appreciate what they themselves might be able to do, and to take pride in the accomplishments of his many friends, family, caretakers, and supporters. He is survived by three sons, Dr. William L. Oppenheim (Patricia) of Marina Del Rey, Calif.; Dr. Kenneth R. Oppenheim of Allentown, Pa.; and James Oppenheim of Laurel, Md.; three brothers, Murray and Joseph of Satellite Beach, Fla., and Robert of Baltimore, Md.; three grandchildren, Kyle, Scott and Jennifer. Edward Oppenheim was a wonderful husband, father, friend and mentor and a shining example of great intellect combined with a gentle demeanor. He will be missed by all. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Council of Jewish Women, Montgomery County Maryland Chapter.
EDWARD E. OPPENHEIM
