John Joseph Opela

John J. Opela, 82, of Camillus, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Community General Hospital. Born in Waterford, New York on Friday, July 9, 1926, he was the son of Joseph and Mary Opela. He lived in Camillus for 54 years. He was a 1944 graduate of Waterford High School. John was a supervisor for AT&T, retiring in 1985 after 47 years. A Navy veteran of World War II, he was a former communicant of St. Joseph's Church and member of the Camillus Elks. John (“G-pa”) enjoyed golfing and loved the outdoors and animals. He was generous with his free time and assisted in fund raising for the Veterans Hospital for several years. He was a kind, patient, strong and gentle man, a good teacher and a great husband and father. He will be sincerely missed by anyone who has been touched by his efforts and by those who have had the good fortune to know him…. and by several dogs and cats who enjoyed his presence. He was predeceased by his sister, Josephine Opela. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, the former Sarah Boncaro; daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Dan Niver of Penn Yan, Patricia and Robert Tiffany of Memphis, and Janice Opela of Camillus; son and daughter-in-law, James and Mary Opela of Cato; brother and sister-in-law, George and Jeanie Opela of Waterford; granddaughters, Cassie and Christine Tiffany and Meagan and Michelle Opela. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are by the Buranich Funeral Home, Camillus. John will be laid to rest at Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Camillus Elks, P.O. Box 396, Camillus, NY 13031.