Casmier “Whistler” Opiela, 91, of Dupont, passed away on Friday, December 13, 2019 at Allied Hospice Center, Scranton. He was born in Dupont on June 22, 1928 and was the son of the late Gabriel and Maryann (Rydzy) Opiela.
Casmier was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Dupont. He was a graduate of Dupont High School and upon graduation he joined the US Army and was stationed in Germany as an MP during the Korean War. He worked for Sikorsky Aircraft in CT then later returned to NEPA and started the Opiela Dairy along with members of his family, serving Dupont, Avoca, Duryea, Pittston and Old Forge. Casmier attended trade school and specialized as a machinist. He worked many years as a machinist and retired in 1990 from Finch Manufacturing, West Pittston.
After retirement he started a small engine repair shop out of his home where “Whistler” was now referred to as the “Lawnmower Man”. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend and will deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Valerie (Wanat), who died September 11, 2001 and his siblings John, Walter, Alexander “Ziggy”, Joseph, Gabriel, Frances Gaula, Camille Fette and Mary Kuna.
He is survived by his children, Raymond and his wife Lyn of Yakima, WA, David and his wife Elaine of Exeter and Paula Korda of Dupont. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Elizabeth, R. Christopher, Joshua, David and Eric Opiela, great-grandchildren Michael and Sara Opiela and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 9:30am from Kiesinger Funeral Services, Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea with a mass of Christian burial at 10:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont with Fr. Thomas Petro officiating. Friends may call on Monday, December 16th from 5-8pm. Interment will be held at the parish cemetery. AMVETS Honor Guard of Greater Pittston will provide Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Allied Services Hospice Center, 511 Morgan Hwy., Scranton, Pa 18505