Obituary of Markley E. Opdyke

Niskayuna- Markley E. Opdyke 72, of Valencia Road died suddenly on March 1, 2010. Mr. Opdyke was born in Geneva, NY, the son of Deirdre Dann Opdyke and Rev. Charlton E. Opdyke, and grew up in Sidney, NY. He was a graduate of Sidney Central High School and received a bachelor's degree in French from Amherst College and a master's degree from Harvard University. He did further study at Middlebury College, at Colgate University and in Boulogne, France, through New York University. He was a recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship for study in Montpellier, France. He was a teacher of foreign languages at Niskayuna High School for 30 years before retirement in 1991. While a teacher he led numerous groups of students to France, served as treasurer of the Niskayuna Teachers' Association for five years and as its president for four years. In retirement he served nine years on the Board of Education of the Niskayuna School District, including two years as its president. Mr. Opdyke was a member of the Board of Directors of the Niskayuna Coop Market. He was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church and served terms as Deacon, Elder and Trustee of the church. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Home Furnishings Program in Schenectady. He was a member of the New York State United Teachers, the New York State School Boards Association and the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers. He served as secretary of the Capital District School Boards Association. He also served as a member of the Committee on Ministry of the Presbytery of Albany. Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Perrine Opdyke, whom he married September 3, 1966; two sons, David M. Opdyke (Kimberlae Saul) of Brooklyn, NY and Daniel R. Opdyke of Austin, TX; one sister, Winifred Goodridge of Cincinnati, OH; one brother, Timothy A. Opdyke of Raymondville, NY; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Union Presbyterian Church, Park Avenue, Schenectady on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 11 AM, with a reception to follow at the church. There will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Union Presbyterian Church, 1068 Park Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308.