Enjoyed gardening, playing tennis and swimming
MELROSE — Stephen Opacki passed away peacefully at the Atrium in Danvers on Thursday, October 2 after a courageous ten year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He faced the illness with the same grit and quiet dignity that drove the course of his life.
Born in Saugus on August 6, 1953, he was the son of the late Sophie (Kosmaciewski) Opacki and Dominic Opacki and he was raised in Melrose with his five siblings. His passion to join his family’s window cleaning and janitorial business was evident at an early age. As a teenager he worked alongside his father and brothers. After two years of college at Norwich University, nothing could stop him from returning to the family business. With tireless determination, he grew the company and became the co-owner of Middlesex Cleaning Inc.
He enjoyed living in Nahant for 38 years. He was always in motion. When he wasn’t at work with the business, you would find him gardening, chopping wood, kayaking, playing tennis or swimming at Canoe Beach.
With a kind smile, and generous spirit, he was always ready to help others whether it involved cleaning, driving, heavy lifting or offering homegrown tomatoes or cucumbers to friends and neighbors. He was a rock-solid presence; dependable, honest and always there when it mattered.
He leaves a legacy of hard work, loyalty, patience and quiet strength that will live on in the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
Steve was a loving husband of 42 years to his wife Mary (Player) Opacki and a devoted father, father-in-law and grandfather to his daughter Melanie (Opacki) Brawley, his son-in-law Kevin Brawley and his two grandchildren Bennett and Halley Brawley. In addition to his wife and immediate family, he will be missed by his sister Donna (Opacki) Smoller, his sister Dorthy (Opacki) McDonnell, numerous nieces and nephews and his extended family. Steve was preceded in death by his brother Richard Opacki, his brother Paul Opacki and his sister Barbara (Opacki) Moore.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Hope Church, 1 Pineswamp Rd., Ipswich on Saturday, October 11 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Contributions may be made in Stephen’s memory to for the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/?form=FUNXNDBNWRP. Arrangements by the Campbell Funeral Home, 6 High St., Ipswich. Condolences at campbellfuneral.com.