Edward Opacki

1933 - 2015

EDWARD RAYMOND OPACKI, 81

Worcester -

Edward Raymond Opacki, 81, of Worcester, passed peacefully February 25, 2015, in his home, in the presence of his devoted family. Edward fought a long, courageous battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and later succumbed to MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome). He was predeceased in 2009 by his loving wife, Jeanne M. (Gregoire) Opacki, after 56 years of marriage.

Edward leaves his daughter, Debra J. Conn, wife of Michael Conn, of Holden, MA, and his sons: Kenneth G. Opacki, and his wife, Rosie, of Coconut Creek, Florida, Daniel E. Opacki of Worcester, and David A. Opacki of Spencer. He also leaves the pride and joys of his life, his five grandchildren: Michele Opacki and Nicole Opacki, both of Florida, Benjamin Conn of Natick, Hailey Conn and her fiance, Rory Munns, of Rhode Island, and Alexandra Conn of Holden, and great grandsons, Brendan and Devin Opacki, of Florida. He will also be mourned by his close friend, Juanita Gemelli of North Grafton, and his daughters-in-law: Lee Ann Opacki of Spencer and Jackie Estrada of Florida.

Born in South Boston on March 28, 1933, son of the late Katherine (Opacki) Kayder, Edward was raised in Millbury where he was educated in the public schools. He resided in Northbridge for many years before moving to Worcester. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he served with distinction as a paratrooper in the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (RAKKASANS).

He worked as a truck driver for Red Star Express Lines for over 30 years and retired in 1995.

Edward was truly a man who "did not see strangers, only friends he had not yet met". He had a passion for understanding how everything worked, from automobiles to computers; he was always exploring. He enjoyed fishing, cars, extensive travel with Jeanne, and all New England sports teams. He was able to fight his illness long enough to watch, with his family, the Patriots capture their fourth Superbowl Championship. Most of all, he loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was a former Worcester County Sheriff's Civil Process Deputy, a member of the Korean War Veterans Association, and Dudley Gendron Post #414, American Legion, Sutton. He was also a former longtime member of St. Peter's Catholic Parish, Northbridge.

Funeral services and burial in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Whitinsville, will be private and held under the direction of Turgeon Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Millbury.