Gerald H. Opferbeck

Gerald H. Opferbeck, 87, of Salamanca, NY died Saturday morning, July 27, 2019 at the Bradford Nursing Home, surrounded by family.

Born July 23, 1932 at home in Mansfield, NY, he was the son of the late Fritz and Mildred Rice Opferbeck. He was married on June 30, 1956 in the former St. Patrick’s Church to the love of his life, the former Barbara Joan Hannon, who predeceased him on April 12, 2012.

He was attended Salamanca High School and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as a Sergeant from 1952 – 1954.

Mr. Opferbeck had been employed at the former Print Cutters in Salamanca and was a cook and councilor at the Youth Camp in Great Valley for several years, retiring from both. He also ran a lawn mower and snowmobile shop with his brothers.

He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and the former St. Patrick’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, was an exalted ruler of the Elk’s Club. He was an avid fisherman and bowler, and enjoyed spending time with his family and cooking for them. Golfing at Elkdale was his favorite thing and he was good at it! He loved music and played guitar with the Good Ole Boys every Tuesday night at West End Opre, Church’s, and various other events. He loved to laugh!

Surviving are: three daughters, Debra (Mark) Arena, LaGrange, GA, Kimberly Opferbeck, La Grange, GA, Jacqueline (Wayne Conklin) Opferbeck, Salamanca, NY; five grandchildren, Stacy (Jason) Gale, La Grange, GA, Elizabeth Arena, La Grange, GA, Holly (Andrew) Thompson, Savannah, GA, Angela (Andy Newark) Bialaszewski, Salamanca, NY, Daniel (Leigh) Bialaszewski, Salamanca, NY; fifteen great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willard (Doris) Opferbeck, Richard (Kate) Opferbeck, both of Salamanca, NY; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Edna Edmonds, and a brother, Daniel Opferbeck.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish on Thursday at 10a.m. with Rev. Patrick Melfi as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to EARS, PO Box 445, Salamanca, NY 14779.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.