John Norman Opachinski

1936 - 2021

John Norman Opachinski, "Opie," 85, of the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, surrounded by family.

Born March 8, 1936, in Nanticoke, John was the son of the late John and Helen Rynkiewicz Opachinski. John attended Nanticoke Area School and was employed by and retired as district manger from, Keystone Coca-Cola. In his early career, he was employed by General Cigar Inc. Prior to entering the soda industry, with Ma's Old Fashioned and Crystal Soda, John was everyone's favorite neighborhood milkman through Purvin Dairy for many years.

John was past Grand Knight of Sacred Heart Council 10676, Glen Lyon, and a 4th Degree Member of The Bishop Hafey Assembly 925 and served proudly in the color corps.

A lifetime sports fan, John was a fountain of knowledge, he was a constant at local sporting events, frequented many Penn State games and was a diehard Philadelphia sports fan.

John was an active Little League coach for 27 years, leading his teams on to several championships.

John was preceded in death by his father, John; mother, Helen Opachinski; brother, Norman, Plymouth, Mass.; and sister, Loretta Hopkins, Hanover Twp.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jean Raitter Opachinski; son, John and wife, Noelle, Nanticoke; his daughter, Joanne Katarsky and husband, Robert; and granddaughter, Elizabeth, Drums. John is also survived by his sister, Carol Lauer; brother, Robert Opachinski; and sister, Sharon Valentier; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Stanley S. Stegura Funeral Home Inc., 614 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke.

Burial service will be at 10 a.m. Friday from Stegura Funeral home. Internment will be in St. Joseph's cemetery, Nanticoke.