Senate Resolution No. 4836

BY: Senator ORTT

MOURNING the death of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, renowned
psychiatrist, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler of Mount Vernon, New York, died on April
12, 2018, at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 16, 1948, Lewis A. Opler graduated magna cum
laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemical Sciences from
Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, As a fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program,
Lewis A. Opler received a PhD in Pharmacology in 1975, and a Medical
degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva
University in 1976; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler distinguished himself in his profession
and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the
welfare of his community; and

WHEREAS, Board Certified in Neurology and Psychiatry, Dr. Lewis A.
Opler spent his illustrious career helping individuals with mental
illness, and was one of the first to shine a light on the role of
families in recovery and support; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler was a Distinguished Life Fellow of the
American Psychiatric Association, a renowned researcher, and served as
the Medical Director for the New York State Office of Mental Health; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
profession, Dr. Lewis A. Opler gave tirelessly of his time and energies
to NAMI-NYS, the state organization of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness, providing support to family and friends of individuals with
mental illness as well as persons living with mental illnesses; and

WHEREAS, As an Honorary Member of this vital organization, Dr. Lewis
A. Opler wrote the "Ask the Doctor" column for NAMI-NYS newsletter, and
was an active participant in the NAMI-NYS fall educational conference,
along with his wife Annette, for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, One of the psychiatric community's truly brightest minds,
Dr. Lewis A. Opler was co-author of the book, Meaningful Recovery From
Schizophrenia and Serious Mental Illness with Clozapine; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Lewis A. Opler's commitment to excellence, and his
spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. Lewis A. Opler leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. Lewis A. Opler, renowned psychiatrist,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. Lewis A. Opler.