By Jacquie Rath
Oppenheimer is a lifelong village resident who lives with his wife of 26 years, Ethel, and their two college-age children, Sarah and Andrew. He is a certified public accountant and the proprietor of the Richard A. Oppenheimer Co., at 53 North Park Ave., a business his father started in 1972.
"We're thrilled," said Oppenheimer's wife. "He deserves it. He works very hard. We're very proud of him."
Oppenheimer is a member of the Village Planning Board, and has been a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician for 26 years. He is a longtime member of the Citizen's Finance Committee, which consults with the mayor and village board on Rockville Centre's annual budget. He also volunteers with the Village Parking and Transportation Committee, is treasurer of the RVC Community Fund and is a past treasurer of the We Care 9/11 Fund. Oppenheimer is a member of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and plays in the Over-40 Rockville Centre Basketball League.
"I see it as a responsibility to be part of the community you're in," he said. "It's a way to give back." He said he sees himself as a representative of the village wherever he goes.
When he was told of the award, Oppenheimer's longtime friend and client, Bill Davis of Davis Pharmacy, said, "Honoring Ed for his years of dedicated service is a good choice. He would give you the shirt off his back - not that you could fit into it. Even the Floodlight Rescue members marvel at Ed's activity.
"He is unusually dedicated and a great rescue fireman. In business, his professional knowledge has been invaluable. He really is a wealth of information. His foresight and acumen have been an integral part of our success.
Oppenheimer works primarily with small, family-owned businesses, individuals and private practices. His accounting firm offers financial planning and estate planning, and he is a member of the New York State Society of CPAs.
Oppenheimer will be honored by the Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 14, at the Crest Hollow Country Club. When asked how he felt about receiving the award, he said, "It's a tremendous honor, and it's very much appreciated."
