CLARIDON TWP. – Wayne Allan Opalk, 74, of Claridon Township, passed away at home Feb. 19, 2022, with his family at his side away after a lengthy illness.
Born in Euclid, to Frank and Arlene Opalk, Wayne graduated from Euclid High School in 1965 and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971, rising to the rank of sergeant and receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service.
He received his bachelor’s degree in science from Myers University in 1981, and married the love of his life, Trudy Smolik, in 1976.
In his youth, Wayne was an exceptional baseball player, playing shortstop in high school and later third base in several softball leagues.
An avid aircraft enthusiast, and a stained-glass craftsman, Wayne also enjoyed researching his family genealogy, and working around the family farm with the loving direction from Trudy and the horses.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Trudy; sister, Deborah ( Gary) Anthony; brother Warren Opalk; aunt, Dorothy Schalk; nephews, Ryan, Dean, Taylor, Kyle; cousins, Gayle Staller, Terri Voss, Robin Sabo and Gregory Schalk; and his dog Xena.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant twin brother, Keith Opalk.
A Celebration of His Life will be held later this spring.
Memorial donations can be made in Wayne’s name to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
Sly Family Funeral Home assisted his family with his arrangements. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.slyffh.com.
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