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Marcus Opit, aged 90, eldest son of Nahum and Fanny Opit (nee Nathans), passed away on Tuesday, September 3rd morning as a result of a fire which engulfed his Dover Heights home.

A family member told J-Wire: “Marcus was a widower. Together with his beautiful late wife, Barbara (nee Lewis), Marcus had and is survived by his six children Karen Lewis, Leigh Opit, Michelle Meyer, Melinda Itzkowic, Phillip Opit and Benjamin Opit, 17 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, sons-in-law David Itzkowic and Ron Meyer and daughters-in-law Carolyn, Sally and Jennifer.

The Opit family has been an integral part of the Jewish community since 1887 when Marcus’ father, Nahum, grandfather Julius and great grandfather Marcus Israelowitz were active members in the Jewish communities in Melbourne and Sydney for generations. Heavily involved with The Great Synagogue, Central Synagogue, The Hebrew Benevolent Society, JASA, Maccabi and other Jewish communal organisations.

The family home at 59 Blake Street was not just home to this large close family and extended family but also served as an extended home to all of the children’s friends for decades. It was therefore tragic that a fire destroyed large parts of the home.

Marcus’ mind remained sharp and he enjoyed his family to the end.”