Walter Eugene Opaka

Walter Eugene Opaka, 91, of Charlotte, died Friday, April 26, 2013, at the Hospice of Union County in Monroe, NC. Walter was born in Menallen, Pennsylvania, on September 24, 1921, the son of Joseph and Mary (Setlock) Opaka. On February 5, 1942, Walter answered his country’s call to service and enlisted in the United States Navy. There he learned the skills of electrical engineering, which he took on to his civilian work after an honorable discharge January 31, 1946. He married Mary Ann Coveleski and they lived in the Cleveland, Ohio, area where Walter owned the “Hollywood Bar” for a couple of years. He spent most of his career as an electrician for Carling’s Black Label Brewery and most recently, for Gould Ocean Systems. Walter loved music and played in a polka band. As Mary developed Alzheimers, Walter moved them to Charlotte in 2006 to be closer to their family. On July 23, 2008, Mary preceded him in death. Walter enjoyed many things in life, including travelling and going to Las Vegas. Most of all, he counted his faith and his family amongst his most important blessings, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Walter is survived by his daughter, Patti Giles and her husband Jim of Mint Hill, North Carolina; a grandson, Scott Giles of Mint Hill, NC; a brother, Bob Opoka and his wife Rosemary of Painesville, Ohio; and a sister, Julie Fabish of Parma Heights, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his wife and a son, Robert. Mass of Christian Burial for Walter will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 3, 2013, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC, 28227. The family will receive friends at the church for an hour before the Mass. Following the Mass, Walter will be taken in formal process to Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, where his earthly remains will be laid to rest next to his wife. The family respectfully requests any donations in Walter’s name be made to the Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110. Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home of Matthews, 4715 Margaret Wallace Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, has been given the privilege of serving Walter’s family.

Walter Eugene Opaka

September 24, 1921 - April 26, 2013