William Andrew Opel, who lived a long, engaged, and deeply curious life, died at the age of 99 on April 9. An ardent admirer of Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, he seemed to embody its message—remaining intellectually sharp, physically active, and independent to the very end. He continued to play Scrabble and cards with anyone who dared challenge him, managed his household and finances on his laptop, and enjoyed frequent visits with family and friends.
After high school, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving two years as a small arms weaponry instructor in Oklahoma. He served for 34 years as a Navy Reserve chaplain, retiring with the rank of Commander.
Bill met his wife, Nina, during college, where they were both studying in the innovative Social Relations program at Harvard College and Radcliffe College. Married in 1951, they shared 71 years together—another remarkable achievement. Together, they were lifelong travelers, never deterred by war zones or remote destinations.
You never had to ask Bill if he attended Harvard—he would be sure to tell you. His academic journey also included an EdD from Columbia University and a divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological School. He taught at his alma mater, St. George’s School, as well as at St. Agnes School.
Following a year at All Saints Church in Lower Sydenham, England, Bill answered President Kennedy’s call to service and joined the Peace Corps. He served as a regional volunteer coordinator in Accra, Ghana, an extraordinary three-year experience for his young family. He often encouraged others: “Join the Peace Corps! But if you can’t, travel widely. Eschew the four- and five-star hotels and travel second- or third-class and walk, walk, walk. In meeting people from other cultures, you may be lucky enough to meet yourself.
As an ordained Episcopal priest, he founded parishes in McLean, Virginia, and Londonderry, New Hampshire, and led congregations in Oxon Hill, Maryland; Wilton, Connecticut; Berlin, New Hampshire; Dover, Massachusetts; and many more. Parishioners and colleagues remained in touch long into his retirement on Cape Cod, recalling his sermons as thoughtful, engaging, and relevant.
Over time, Bill’s spiritual views evolved, and he came to identify as a secular humanist. He described his outlook as “a deep appreciation for the role of myth and an evolving orientation in creating, articulating, preserving, and challenging cultural values and institutions.”
Bill is remembered for his generous philanthropy. Within his family, he was affectionately known as “the world’s most unanonymous benefactor.” He volunteered with local charities and was especially known for cooking elaborate Chinese food fundraising banquets.
Music was a lifelong passion. A tenor, Bill sang in high school and college and continued throughout his life. His musical experiences included singing at Symphony Hall under the direction of Leonard Bernstein, as well as performances at the Kennedy Center, the National Cathedral, Cape Rep Theatre’s production of 1776, the Harvard Glee Club, and numerous church and community choirs.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Donner (Stefan) and Sasha Opel (Bill); and his grandchildren, Aza Ivey (Alex), Konstantin Donner, Ilia Donner, Anastasia Donner, Cary DeMello (Abby) and Nick DeMello. His son, Paul Opel (Jennifer), predeceased him in 2012, and his wife, Nina, predeceased him in 2022.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to his companion, Deborah Ullman, and to Broad Reach Hospice for enabling Bill to remain at home in Eastham with dignity until the end of his days.
Visitors to Bill’s home were often greeted by a well-worn doormat whose words could still be made out: “You’re not in Kansas anymore.”
A Memorial Gathering will be held at The Chapel in the Pines in Orleans, Massachusetts at 1:30pm on Sunday, May 24, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Homeless Prevention Council, PO Box 828, Orleans, MA 02653, or online at https://www.hpccapecod.org/.