George Lindbergh Opdycke, age 88, of rural Bryan, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Genesis Health Care in Bryan. He was born on January 12, 1928 on a farm near Pulaski, Ohio, the son of Clara Garver and John Garfield Opdycke.
At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Army at the end of World War II. He then attended The Ohio State University, receiving a B. S. in Physics. Further education was received at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Toledo.
As an engineer and research physicist for Westinghouse, Owens-Illinois and Magnavox, he made many contributions to science and technology. This included the development of the first atomic reactor for the Nautilus Submarine, and moon rockets. He also pioneered in the development of integrated circuits, which resulted in the hand-held electronic calculator.
On December 23, 1950 he married Louise Bockelman in Florida, Ohio. She preceded him in death on February 15, 1973.
He is survived by three sons, Donald of Bryan; Paul of Columbia, Maryland; and Walter (Ruth) of Livonia, Michigan; granddaughter Sarah Opdycke of Livonia, MI and grandson Tyler Emerson Opdycke of Livonia, MI. Also surviving is a brother, J. Russell Opdycke of Lima, OH. He was preceded in death by a brother, Emerson, and sister, Jean Dreher.
After retirement, he purchased a farm adjoining his birthplace and enjoyed farming, hunting, and local conservation efforts. He was a past-president of the former Tiffin River Scenic and Historical Association. Other interests included antique watch repairing, family genealogy, and Civil War history. A former Boy Scout leader, he was pleased to learn that his grandson recently completed his Eagle Scout Project.
The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Pulaski United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com.
