Parker G. Oppermann, 83, a longtime resident of Great Barrington, passed away early Tuesday morning, December 26, 2017. Parker and his wife Anne had been residents of Lenox since 2013.
Born at the family home in Interlaken, Mass., on March 8, 1934, Parker was the youngest of 12 children of Norman and Mabel Metzler Oppermann. He attended local schools and was a 1952 graduate of the former Williams High School in Stockbridge.
Mr. Oppermann was a member of the U.S. Army stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1956 until 1959 where he met his first wife. Upon his return home, he relocated to New Jersey where he spent the next 20 years working in various fields and raising a family.
Following his divorce in 1977 he accepted an invitation from his brother in Stockbridge to attend a Williams High School reunion where he met Anne Handberg Barrett and her three children. The two families merged upon their marriage June 7, 1980 at the Interlaken Congregational Church. They purchased a home in Great Barrington where they remained for 34 years and were active members of the Great Barrington Congregational Church.
Parker joined the Marion Fathers in Stockbridge as Production Manager in 1980 until his retirement in 1996.
Parker enjoyed golfing, fishing, a good Manhattan and camping across the United States visiting many of the National Parks. Their love for Cape Cod led to purchasing a condo in 2000 that they frequented year-round. He was also an excellent cook and baker, learning that skill by helping his mother at church suppers.
Parker is survived by his wife of 37 years, Anne M. Oppermann; his children Debbie Oppermann of Westfield, Mass., Brenda Oppermann of Lee, Suzanne Jester of Pittsfield, Peter Barrett of Westford, Mass., and Tammy Depolo of Mashpee, Mass. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Stephanie Maschino, Melanie Bugliari, Alexander Fitzgerald, Sarah Fitzgerald, Dana Depolo, Brett Depolo, Chris Barrett, John Barrett and five great grandchildren all of whom who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by eleven brothers and sisters and one great grandchild, Anthony “Tony” Maschino.
SERVICES – The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Great Barrington, conducted by Rev. Dr. Randall K. Wilburn. Burial will follow at Pelton Brook Cemetery in Great Barrington.
The family will receive friends on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The First Congregational Church in Great Barrington through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to https://www.finnertyandstevens.com
