Lawrence Paul “Larry” Opalisky, 88, of Curwensville died Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College just three weeks shy of his 89th birthday.
Born April 19, 1928 in Smoke Run, he was the son of Michael and Bertha Opalisky. He was a 1945 graduate of Madera High School.
After his graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1950. He served with the 54th Engineering Battalion where he served for two years and was then honorably discharged.
While serving his country, he learned to operate heavy machinery. He was instrumental in the construction of several bridges while overseas.
He later earned his surveyor’s license and thereafter a degree in civil engineering. He spent the majority of his professional career as a licensed engineer, taking great pride in his work in designing buildings and bridges.
He was most passionate about music, and as a child, he learned to play several instruments as well as to sing. In high school, he and some friends formed a band and they played at numerous school events.
When he returned from active duty, he met his future wife, the former Maryann Panko, while she was playing the accordion with the group. They became inseparable and were married Sept. 14, 1957.
He then built the house where they lived and raised four children. He still lived in that house until he passed.
He and his wife later formed a dance band called the Dreamers. She played the accordion, and he was the lead singer and played the trumpet. Some of his fondest memories were of his time with his wife and their band.
He later earned his private pilot’s license and purchased a plane. He volunteered his time to build multi-plane hangars at the Clearfield Airport. Flying his plane and allowing his kids to pretend they were co-pilots gave him such joy.
He took great pride in his family, building treehouses and playhouses for his grandkids. He was also known for doing numerous home repair projects for his four children.
He gave back to his community, serving terms on the Curwensville School Board, where he was president, and on several local authorities.
He remained an active member of the Curwensville Municipal Authority (sewer) up until his termed expired at the end of 2016. In addition, he was the commander of the Curwensville American Legion Post No. 505.
He was an active member of the St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Curwensville, where he was a cantor for many years. He was also a long-time member of the Curwensville Lions Club.
He will be greatly missed but forever loved and respected by all those he touched during his life. He is survived by his four children, Vicki, Diana, Linda and Mark; his grandchildren, Sarah, Nick, Grant, Connor, Lauren and Lydia; and his great-grandchildren, Henry and Hadley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on Aug. 12, 2005; and a brother, Lewis Opalisky.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at the St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church in Curwensville, with the Rev. Father Stephen Collins as celebrant. Burial will be in the Crown Crest Memorial Park in Hyde.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville and again from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Monday when the procession will depart for the church.
A scripture vigil service will be conducted at 1:45 p.m., the Rosary will be recited at 3:45 p.m. and a memorial service will be conducted by the Curwensville Lions Club at 6 p.m., all Sunday at the funeral home.
Military honors will be accorded at the graveside by members of the Clearfield Honor Guard.
The family suggests memorial contributions be given to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.
