Joseph J Opalka

Joseph was born in Passaic and was one of four children to Joseph and Caroline Opalka.  Joe was raised in Clifton until moving to Wayne in 1960.  Following his graduation from high school, he attended Paterson Technical Institute where he studied Mechanical Drafting for approximately two years.  Joe then found work quickly as an Aerospace Machinist at Singer Kearfott in West Paterson.  His career as an Aerospace Machinist spanned more than thirty years until his retirement in the late 1990’s.

In 1957 as a young man, Joe got the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States National Guard with the 215th Infantry.  After his honorable discharge in 1960, he served a total of six years in the reserves.

On May 24, 1958 Joe married he girl of his dreams, Patricia "Pat" Fertal.  He was introduced to her at a church function by Pat’s 2nd cousin.  The couple dated for a while and as fate would have it, they fell in love getting married in St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Passaic.  Joe and Pat settled in Clifton for a short time then moved to the town of Wayne in 1960.  There they welcomed the births of their three children Joseph Jr., Margaret, and Cheryll.  Joe and Pat raised their children there and remained in Wayne for the rest of their lives together.  One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was Ballroom Dancing.  He cherished Ballroom Dancing along with his wife Pat for more than twenty five years.  

Joe was a member of the Wayne Elks Lodge #2181 for many years and was a dedicated New York Giants Fan.  Joe was a truly dedicated husband and father.  His greatest passion throughout his life was his family.  Nothing in the world meant more to Joe than providing for and spending time with his family.  He and his wife Pat's treasured fifty four years of loving and loyal marriage until Pat’s passing in 2012.  Joe was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone that met him.  He will be sincerely missed by his family and friends alike.    

Joseph is survived by his son Joseph Opalka, Jr. and his wife Christine of Wayne, two daughters; Margaret Hochkeppel and her husband William of Kinnelon, and Cheryll Remus and her husband John of Jefferson, one brother John Opalka and his wife Glory of Wayne, and one sister Elsie Kacmarik of Clifton, three grandchildren; William and his wife Brianne of Union, Patricia of Oakland, CA, and Andre of New Hampshire.  He was predeceased by his brother Edward Opalka.