Once the community learned that Transportation Director Cy Opperman was leaving, tributes began pouring in. Here’s a sampling. Anyone wishing to add to the list, post your comments in the section below.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
From RIOC:
Island transportation is a critical component of RIOC’s operations. Cy has been an invaluable member of the RIOC team for many years, after having finished a long and storied career with NYC Transit.
Now that he has informed us that he is considering a well-deserved retirement sometime in the Spring, we need to immediately begin searching for a replacement that can match his knowledge and expertise.
One important note: Cy has also said that he’s willing to stay on as a consultant to ensure steady and reliable service while we transition to a new Director, so he’ll only ever be a phone call away should we need him.
From 40 Year Roosevelt Islander Nina Lublin:
40 years ago this week, I moved to Roosevelt Island for its (then) affordable housing, as well as for the Tram, the Q102, AND, most importantly, for the Red Buses. The subway was still 6 years away from completion.
The Tram & especially the Red Buses made it possible for me & my Mom to travel back & forth between the Island & Manhattan in a January 1983 blizzard to secure my deposit for my Island House apartment. The Red Bus made it easy — then & now — for us residents & our friends & relatives of all ages & abilities to get around the Island easily in all types of weather across all the seasons.
Back in the day, when Tram service was interrupted for all kinds of reasons, Red Buses took us to & from Manhattan or Queens Plaza many times a day & evening. Some of us wrote a column for the WIRE called Tramless Tidbits describing the very different & not so nice Queens Plaza views we experienced before it’s over-development.
The Red Buses have had a few forgettable as well as remarkable RIOC-related managers & supervisors, and some well-remembered drivers ( NYM fan & great character, Carl for one ). But for me, saying THANK YOU, CY OPPERMAN, is something well-meant & very sincere. Always in search of spare parts, keeping our buses running & staffed in all types of challenging weather & road conditions, through more than a few RIOC administrations, always quickly returning phone calls, texts & answering emails when things went wrong or right — along with his visible presence wherever Red Buses could be seen, & always with a smile & sense of humor — the true signs of a Great Professional, a Good Person and a Real Mensch.
Although I’ll miss you a lot, you should be out and about, enjoying your friends & family — especially the grandchildren — traveling & more… And maybe help find your successor who will carry on your fine work.
Thank You, Cy, for a career, well done, especially for Roosevelt Island.
From Former RIOC President/CEO Susan Rosenthal:
I wish Cy good health and much joy in his retirement. He deserves it!
During my almost 5 years at RIOC, not only did he make sure the transportation department ran smoothly, but he instilled in his employees the importance of civility and concern for the Island’s residents; that’s because he cared—he responded to all communications he received, understanding the stress for many over mobility and commuting issues.
Additionally, he went beyond RIOC’s responsibilities in his interactions with the MTA for the benefit of the residents.
I am certain he will be missed.
From Former RIOC Chief Financial Officer and Friend John O’Reilly:
Cy was a valued asset for RIOC and unfortunately very under appreciated for the excellent work and dedication. He ran that division like a fine tuned clock.
A few years ago he spoke of retirement when Susan Rosenthal was CEO. When she realized Cy was virtually irreplaceable, she convinced him to stay on until a transition plan was developed. After Susan left I spoke to Shelton a number of times of developing a transition plane, but as you would expect, he didn’t understand the complexity of the service provided and did nothing.
Hence, RIOC is going to be in a bind going forward. His knowledge of scheduling and staffing is brilliant and is not easily replaced.
From Historian, Etc. Judith Berdy:
I am saddened to hear Cy Opferman is retiring in May. For thirteen years he has kept our bus, truck, PSD cars and all island vehicles road ready. We will miss his talents and good humor.
Please feel free to add any thoughts of your own below.
A Job With a Predictable Ending
The role looks stable from the outside. A President and CEO is appointed. A contract is approved. A salary is set.
As a former Red Bus Operator, I want to wish Cy a very enjoyable retirement. Although my employment was cut short, to this date, I remember him giving me various pieces of advice which I will never forget. In addition, I remember him giving advice to some of my former co-workers, who have moved on as a Bus Operator with the MTA. Enjoy your retirement Cy!!
I’m sure many share your affection and admiration of Cy. Thanks.