Name: Visitation for Dale Richard Opeka
Start: 2024-03-06T16:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-03-06T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Beinhauer - Peters Township

Dale Richard Opeka, 63, of McMurray, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at St. Clair Hospital. Born in McMurray, Dale was a graduate of Peters Township High School and later earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a visionary in the automotive industry, purchasing and expanding Opeka Auto Repair into one of the largest privately-owned automotive repair businesses in Western Pennsylvania. Beyond his business achievements, Dale's greatest joy in life was being a father. Additionally, his passion for travel took him and his family to many corners of the world, yet he found equal joy in the simple pleasures of life on their farm in Nottingham. Dale was the cherished husband of Corinne "Rene" Evans Opeka, with whom he shared 34 beautiful years of marriage. He was a devoted father to Evan Opeka, and Ross Opeka (fiance Peyton Roy) of McMurray. Dale's legacy of love extends to his sister Nancy (Bill) Barnard of Upper St. Clair, and Aunt Terri Opeka of Denver, Colo.; he was a fond nephew of Jennie Zuzek, Frank Opeka, and Matthew (Jean) Opeka, remembering also his late aunt Elsie Chesnik. His role as a brother-in-law to Sandra (Samuel) Sarnicke, and Karen (Eric) Pfeil, was equally treasured. Dale's warmth, wisdom, and humor will be missed by his numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends. Preceded in death by his parents Lillian and John Opeka, Jr. Dale's life was a testament to his unwavering spirit and the love he had for his family and community. Arrangements are entrusted to Beinhauer, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, 724-941-3211. Friends and family are invited to gather from 4 to 7 p.m., for visitation on Wednesday, March 6, with a funeral service to immediately follow at 7 p.m., Pastor Doug Heagy officiating. Dale's life was a beacon of dedication and service, and his memory will forever inspire those who knew him. To honor Dale's legacy and share memories, please add and view tributes at Beinhauer.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Peters Township Library or rushtocrushcancer.org that were close to Dale's heart, reflecting his lifelong commitment to community and helping others. Please add or view tributes at www.beinhauer.com

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Published by Observer-Reporter from Mar. 3 to Mar. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Dale Opeka

11 Entries

John David Kendrick

July 1, 2024

I just found out and I am flabbergasted! Dale was a fine man and met or exceeded all of his father´s expectations. He was a wonderful husband, father and invaluable member of the community. Dale will be greatly missed by everyone.

Susan O'Hanlon Capenos

May 29, 2024

Nancy, I just saw this. I am sad to learn of your brother's death. You have our deepest sympathy.

Margaret Diamond

March 7, 2024

Dear Rene, Evan and Ross, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Truly, it's a loss for everyone and anyone whoever met Dale or knew Dale or did business with Dale. When my family moved to Peters Township, I was six years old and in the first grade and Dale was one of my elementary school classmates and I'm still in disbelief that someone that I knew at age 6 I would still occasionally see at the shop, one thing I liked about Dale and he was like this as a child too! He was just a real straight arrow always was and you just knew that you could trust him. He would tell you like it was I appreciated that about him as a businessman, and as a person. You and all of your family are in my prayers at this difficult time. I hope that all of your loving and beautiful memories give you comfort. Sincerely, Margaret (Maggie) Diamond

Kevin lavorgna

March 6, 2024

I grew up with dale, my boys played hockey with and against his boys for years growing up, I´m sorry for your loss, Rene, Evan and Ross, rest in peace dale! The lavorgna family

Jim Stutzman

March 6, 2024

I met Dale when I was six and he was five. We grew up together. I taught him how to skip rocks, he taught me how to play chess. We walked to school together every day in high school, commuted to Pitt together for the one semester I went there. We traveled together a lot in our twenties. The longest being a drive from Salem, Oregon to San Diego to Las Vegas and back to Oregon. Together my friend and I strolled the boardwalk in Atlantic City, reached the summit of Pike´s Peak, drove across the Golden Gate Bridge and watched the Fourth of July fireworks on Main Street in Disneyland. We shared memories and laughter that lasted a lifetime, though his was far too short. He was my best friend for over half a century. I loved him like a brother. His absence makes the world a lesser place. Good bye, old friend. Rest in peace.

Jack Frazier

March 4, 2024

Dale was a friend for almost 30 years. You won´t find a nicer or more carrying person than Dale.
Rest In Peace my friend

Odette

March 4, 2024

We have truly lost a big part of our Opeka "family". To know and work for this amazing man, is truly an honor. I'm going to miss your drop-ins at the shop, our small talks about life & family and stories about your trips. My heartfelt condolences to Rene, Evan and Ross. You will be sorely missed but God has gained a wonderful angel. Fly high my friend, and keep watch over us.

Charlie Coffield

March 3, 2024

Dale was a great guy. We had alot of adventures in our youth. From building forts to gocarts together. His mom & dad would take us on day trips to see how car were made to the goodyear factory in ohio. Alot of good memories. Rest in peace buddy.

Joseph Domyslawski

March 2, 2024

I worked for Dale before I retired and he was the the kind of owner you dream about working for . When I was hired and taken on a tour of the shop he was working on a ATV on the frame machine knee deep in dirt and grease ., I thought he was an employee not the owner, but that´s the work ethic he had and it impressed upon me a great respect upon him immediately. He laughed and joked with us and I enjoyed working for him. Rest In Peace My sympathies to the Opeka Family

Ginelle Kemmerling

March 2, 2024

I knew Dale more through those he mentored, raised and impacted. His customers, family & employees alike. Prayers are with The Opeka Family , our Opeka Auto Repair Family & The Peters Township community. As we all lost such an inspiring and irreplaceable part of us. "We are family".
Dale,Thank you for all you have built, fought for, installed and provided for all of us in your lifetime of accomplishments. Your legacy will be remembered and cherished and celebrated, every day!

Bill mountain

March 2, 2024

Getting a call from Dale to set up an interview for a job that I did not know i applied for. My wife Hannah sent my info in. And that started a friendship that would last 18 years I will miss him greatly. He was my friend
Bill mountain

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