I knew Phyllis from when she worked at Avalon Hill, and always had the highest admiration for her. It's very sad to hear of her passing. My sincerest condolences to the family. I'm sure the good memories you have of her will help her live on in your lives.

I was shocked to belatedly hear of the untimely passing of a great friend and colleague. Although our areas of responsibility didn't really coincide, Phyllis always presented an understanding ear and good advice when needed - yet remained grounded in reality. She was among the most dedicated people I worked with in my 25 years at Avalon Hill. But more than that, she was a true friend. She was the lone female attendee at a memorial service for co-worker Craig Taylor last summer. Craig was the ultimate bachelor and worked all his life in a male dominated industry. Their areas of responsibility really did not intersect, but Phyllis found the time to attend to remember a co-worker. That's the kind of person she was.

My deepest sympathies to Margo, Vicky all of her other family and friends.
It was my good fortune to have worked closely with Phyllis for over ten years during the 80s and 90s, she was all of the things other people have said here and beyond. She was never judgmental yet had a sweet but direct way of telling you the "way it is". Everyone trusted her because she was so real and considerate and did not have a mean bone in her body. She was always a generous confidante, sounding board, shoulder to lean on and friend. Doubtful, we will see the likes of her again.

Phyllis was truly one of a kind. I'm thankful to have known her, and I miss her already.

I am so saddened at the untimely loss of our client and friend. I worked with Phyllis for many years at the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, IN. She was a joy to work with. She was a tough negotiator with a wry sense of humor and she usually got everything she required because we loved her so much. My heartfelt sympathies go to all her family and friends. 
Jim Yarnelle, CMP
Indianapolis, Indiana

What wonderful memories I have of Phyllis.  She was such a dear friend for many years.I can see her now in the blue Volkswagon that all of us girls loved, but most of all we loved the driver! 
I can not imagine your heartache, Margo and Vickie, as you begin a life without your Phyllis!
My love to you both and all who knew her...... because if you knew Phyllis, you loved her!

Phyllis was a consummate professional and simply a lovely person. She was always a joy to work with and to chat with at events. She will be sorely missed!

She was the true meaning of friend - kind, generous and caring.  Her smile lit up the world around her.  It was an honor to know her.

Our sincerest condolences to Phyllis' family.  We know she will be missed, and we hope that fond memories will bring comfort to her family during this difficult time.

My condolences to all Phyllis' family, friends, and co-workers.  She will be dearly missed by all of us here at Diamond Comic Distributors.

I will always remember her giggle. I thought she was the coolest person in the world when I was a kid.  I love the pictures. She enjoyed life and her family. She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Phyllis was a great co-worker who was always pleasant, never complained and had positive conversations and smiles.  She was very special and will be always be  remembered.
Margaret Murphy, Diamond Comics

As the pictures show, Phyllis loved the cabin and the Susquehanna River.  She will certainly be missed by all of us at the cabin.  Margo and Bob - you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this.  Sending hugs to you both.

I feel blessed to have known you. My prayers for family and friends who will miss you so.

She will be dearly missed by all of us whose life she touched. Our prayers go out for those who are left to mourn - not because her pain is finished, but because ours has just begun.

Phyllis was a dynamo, a wonder, a sweetheart, tough and resourceful, and a friend. She always had time to answer a question, offer advice and a helping hand, and give you a smile. She was one of the most organized and capable people I have ever met. Phyllis will be missed, but remembered with the warmest fondness by all of us at Palladium Books. Our prayers and warm regard to her multitude of friends and her family.

Phyllis, was a great person. She always had a smile and a game suggestion for us.
GAMA & The Ft. Wayne Open House will not be the same. Rest well & always be remembered in our Hearts.

Always remembered Phyllis overseeing the auction at the Alliance Open House.  It won't be the same there without her.

To a good friend and one of the people that always made work fun! Going to miss you, Phyllis!

Phyllis, you were a kind and supportive friend who I feel blessed to have known. You faced your challenges with a strength and composure that were an example to all of us who knew and loved you. I will continue my prayers for the family and friends who will miss you so.

Phyllis was so much more than a coworker, more than a friend. For many of us in the hobby game industry, she was a mentor, a coach, at times a counselor - but always a close member of the family. She had no children of her own, but has hundreds of children by virtue of her mothering so many of us in this crazy business and life. We will miss you, Phyllis. You are forever in our hearts.

OBITUARY

Phyllis Opolko

April 18, 1952 – March 4, 2013

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services