Nov 1, 2012

John Opeka Jr., 94, of Peters Township, died in his home surrounded by family Thursday, November 1, 2012. He was born and raised in Oakdale. Surviving are his wife of almost 70 years, Lillian Kosmach Opeka; three children, Donald (Terri) Opeka, Nancy (Bill) Opeka Barnard and Dale (Corinne) Opeka; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Frank Opeka and Matthew (Jean) Opeka.Capt. Opeka was a veteran of World War II, serving as a navigator in the 310th Bomb Group of the 12th Army Air Corps. He was based in North Africa and Corsica. He flew 51 missions during the war, many as the squadron navigator in the B-25 bomber group. Capt. Opeka finished the war as flight commander at the Navigation Training Center in Hondo, Texas. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and an Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters. He was admitted to the Hall of Valor at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial in Oakland as well as the Hall of Valor in McMurray Post 764, of which he was a member. In 1948, he and Lillian built their home in Peters Township. After completing the home, he opened his auto repair business in his garage. Opeka Auto Repair moved to its current location on Valley Brook Road in 1960 and is the oldest family-owned business in Peters Township.His business and social activities were many and varied. They included being the longest serving board member of Slovenian Savings and Loan with 62 years of membership and recently as vice president; longtime member of SNPJ Lodge 138; served as a local officer for the Automotive Service Association and was a director of the ASA Credit Union; was a longtime member of Independent Garage Owners and served as both a local and a state officer; served on the advisory board of Western Area Career and Technology Center; was a member of Peters Township Chamber of Commerce; and received the Paul Harris Award from the McMurray Rotary, of which he was a member. Friends are welcome from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Beinhauer Funeral Home, 2828 Washington Road, Peters Township, 724-941-3211. Services and interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.