Charles Daniel Opdenaker, 89, of Christiana, formerly of Media, Parkside, and Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, under the care of Newport Meadows Nursing Home. He was the widower of the late Charlotte M. (Acton) Opdenaker, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Aston Twp., Delaware Co., Charles was the son of the late Hannah (Boyle) and Matthew J. Opdenaker. He was a graduate of Nether Providence High School where he was a three-sport athlete, and worked as a Carpenter of Sam Ellis construction, retiring after 62 years of employment. He was a fan of Philadelphia sports teams and was an avid lifelong fan of Notre Dame sports. He had the good fortune to attend a Notre Dame football game in South Bend in 1995. It was one of the best days of his life. Charles was a parishioner and one of the founding members of Our Lady of Charity, Brookhaven, Pa, St. John Neumann, Lancaster, and Our Lady of Consolation, Parkesburg. He was a fourth-degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. He was most proud of his family. He was the patriarch of his eight children and 40 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles is survived by his children, Mick Opdenaker, husband of Patti, of Aston, Pa., Bob Opdenaker, husband of Liz, of Wilmington, Del., Steve Opdenaker, husband of Lisa, of Parkesburg, Jim Opdenaker, husband of Chris, of Quarryville, Dan Opdenaker, husband of Sue, of Mohrsville, Mary Pryer, wife of Bob, of Atglen, Pa., Diane Kay, wife of Mike Sr., of Manheim, 16 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased, in addition to his wife, by his son, Joseph G. Opdenaker, and five brothers Matthew, Albert, Joseph, John, William. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 16th, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 603 W 2nd Ave, Parkesburg, PA 19365, with a visitation from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (https://act.alz.org/).
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2 Entries
My deepest sympathy to the Opdenaker family. I have some wonderful memories hanging out at the house in Parkside. Mr. and Mrs. O. we´re so welcoming. I always remember a lot of laughter.
Mr. O had the best smile.
All of you are in my prayers.
Regina B
Regina (Castaldi)Barrett
Friend
September 19, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Opdenaker Family for the loss of your loved one, Charles Daniel, and pray God gives you comfort, peace and strength.
Jo H.
September 17, 2021
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