The Life of Paul Cyril Opilla
Paul Cyril Opilla, U.S. Army, Retired, 94, of Topton, PA, and formerly of Franklin, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 31, 2018. Born on April 14, 1924 in Drifton, Luzerne County, PA, Paul was a son of the late Joseph and Anna (Zubatch) Opilla. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Elizabeth (Stieber) Opilla whom he married in 1949. Dorothy passed away on February 6, 2018. They have seven children, thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Paul honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Marine Corps and Army. He was a member of The 3rd Marine Division, an infantry division of the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Ocean theater, during World War II. Paul later reenlisted in the U.S. Army, where he retired after 20 years of service as a Chief Warrant Officer. After 16 years of moving from Army base to Army base, Paul and Dorothy settled in northern New Jersey, when Paul retired from the military and went to work at The Picatinny Arsenal. He was employed there in Civil Service for 25 years, until his retirement. Paul and Dorothy were former members of Immaculate Conception Church Parish in Franklin, NJ, for over 30 years. When they moved to Topton, PA, they became active members at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown, where Paul served as a Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister and volunteer. Paul enjoyed fly fishing and collecting rocks and minerals.
Paul is survived by his children, Mary C. Opilla, Macungie, PA, Margaret M. (Opilla) DiDomenico, Allentown, PA, Theresa M. (Opilla) Baker, Manchester, CT, Paul M. Opilla, Renton, WA, Michael D. Opilla, Branchville, NJ, Thomas A. Opilla, Landing, NJ, and Peter G. Opilla, Ogdensburg, NJ; sister, Agnes Opilla; thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Paul was predeceased by eight siblings.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Kutztown, and inurnment with military honors in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA, will be held privately.
The family requests contributions be made in Paul's memory to The Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, Inc., 248 E. Chestnut Hill Rd., Suite 4, Newark, DE 19713. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.