Gordon R. Opitz

Gordon R. Opitz, 91 of Sandy Lake, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2022 at Quality Life Services – Mercer. Gordon was born in Millcreek Twp. on October 2, 1930 to the late Norman and Sarah Margaret Stone Opitz.  Gordon was a graduate of the former Sandy Lake High School in 1948 where he played basketball and baseball.

After graduation, Gordon proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was stationed in Germany and his squad was responsible for communications. Gordon was also the captain of the snow-ski team in the Army and enjoyed competing against a variety of international teams.

After his military service, he returned to Sandy Lake and worked at the Viscose in Meadville, a division of FMC Corp, for 32 years. Following his retirement, he worked for the Oak Hill Cemetery for many years.

Gordon was an avid reader, but most of all loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He made several trips to Canada to fish for northern pike and muskies and enjoyed hunting trips out west to Montana to hunt elk, mule deer, and antelope. His favorite day of the year was the opening day of buck season, and he hunted every year through his 88th birthday.

Gordon was a loving father and a coach to many young men who played on his Little League, Jr. Legion and American Legion Baseball teams. He built “Opitz Field” which was used for many years by the local softball teams. He also enjoyed spending many hours at “the pond” with his extended family.

Gordon is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Vera Eileen (Paxton) Opitz, children, Kathleen (Vince) Ebbert of Huntsburg, OH and Gordy (Linda) Opitz of Gibsonia, PA, grandchildren Kyle Opitz, Kelley (Ryan) Prentice, Elissa (Kris) Cowgill, Krista (Larry) Craig, Sarah Ebbert, and Shawn Ebbert, great grandchildren Grace and Ella Prentice, Evelynn and Paxton Cowgill, McKinley and Dakota Craig, and Charley Ebbert, brother, Robert Opitz, sister Peggy (Bill) Vance, and sister-in-law Shirley Opitz, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by a brother, Dale Opitz, and a sister, Betty Martin.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Stoneboro & Sandy Lake.

A memorial service will take place on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church

Memorials may be made in Gordon’s name to the Sandy Lake Presbyterian Church, PO Box 185, Sandy Lake, PA 16145

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.RoseAndBlackFH.com