Brian Oppenheimer
1948 – 2022
Brian Oppenheimer passed away peacefully in his California home of thirty years after a long, heroic battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family: his wife of fifty years, Kathleen (McGowan) Oppenheimer, son Sean Oppenheimer, son James Oppenheimer, daughter-in-law Katie Michel, and grandsons Fin and Wyatt Oppenheimer.
Brian was the son of West Point military parents Lt. Col. Hugh Clifford Oppenheimer and Teresa (Dunkley) Oppenheimer, Army Registered Nurse. An “Army brat” (and proud of it), he was born in Pasadena but grew up and received most of his education in New York City, where he became a Fordham University Communications Graduate.
At Fordham, Brian was a star water polo player and captain of the varsity team, as well as an All-American long-distance swimmer. He was an avid outdoorsman who could be seen biking up the treacherous Piuma Road, swimming at Pepperdine pool or skiing at Mammoth or June Mountain.
A prolific writer and producer, Brian shared his knowledge and skills, faithfully devoting his time to Catholics in Media Associates and The Humanitas Prize, helping new writers hone their craft.
Brian was a kind, generous soul who was happy to meet anyone. He had an amazing memory and always had a story to tell that he would embellish with a twinkle in his eye.
He touched many lives.
A funeral mass will be held on Jan. 15, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Malibu Church, where he volunteered for many years.