Clifford T. Oplinger

Clifford T. "Opie" Oplinger, 91, of Vandergrift, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. Born May 7, 1921, in Arona, he was the son of the late William Oplinger and Hilda Atchison Oplinger. Clifford lived in Vandergrift since 1944, and worked as a roll fitter and occasional foreman for Wean United. He also worked for other area businesses. He was a renowned painter and wallpaperer in the Vandergrift area. Clifford was a former member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Vandergrift, which merged with St. Paul's Highfield Lutheran Church in Parks Township. He was an avid Pirates fan and liked watching all sports. Clifford enjoyed gambling and bowling at Lee's, but he most enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Veitch and Nancy Coughner. Clifford is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norma A. Albert Oplinger; children, Samuel Barbara Oplinger, of Irwin, Letitia Alan Mikula, Patricia Michael Hepler, Janice Keith Hansen, all of Vandergrift, James Louise Oplinger, of Washington Township, William Jacquelyn Oplinger, of Allegheny Township; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandsons; a sister, Beatrice Herz, of Syracuse, N.Y.; and nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, at the BRADY-CURRAN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 429 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Additional visitation will be held from 10 until the hour of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2012, at St. Paul's Highfield Lutheran Church, 1595 Dime Road, Vandergrift, with the Rev. Phil Gustafson officiating. Entombment in Greenwood Memorial Mausoleum, Lower Burrell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family or to the St. Paul's Highfield Church at the above listed address. To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.curranfuneralhome.com.