Charles Daniel Opdenaker

Charles Daniel Opdenaker, 89, of Christiana, formerly of Media, Parkside, and Lancaster, passed away on Saturday, September 11th, 2021, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, under the care of Newport Meadows Nursing Home.  He was the widower of the late Charlotte M. (Acton) Opdenaker, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

 

Born in Aston Twp., Delaware Co., Charles was the son of the late Hannah (Boyle) and Matthew J. Opdenaker.  He was a graduate of Nether Providence High School where he was a three-sport athlete, and worked as a Carpenter of Sam Ellis construction, retiring after 62 years of employment.  

 

He was a fan of Philadelphia sports teams and was an avid life-long fan of Notre Dame sports. He had the good fortune to attend a Notre Dame football game in South Bend in 1995. It was one of the best days of his life.

 

Charles was a parishioner and one of the founding members of of Our Lady of Charity, Brookhaven, Pa, St. John Neumann, Lancaster, and Our Lady of Consolation, Parkesburg.  He was a fourth degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus.  

 

He was most proud of his family. He was the patriarch of his eight children and 40 grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

 

Charles is survived by his children, Mick Opdenaker, husband of Patti, of Aston, Pa., Bob Opdenaker, husband of Liz, of Wilmington, Del., Steve Opdenaker, husband of Lisa, of Parkesburg, Jim Opdenaker, husband of Chris, of Quarryville, Dan Opdenaker, husband of Sue, of Mohrsville, Mary Pryor, wife of Bob, of Atglen, Pa., Diane Kay, wife of Mike Sr., of Manheim, 16 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.

 

He was predeceased, in addition to his wife, by his son, Joseph G. Opdenaker, and five brothers Matthew, Albert, Joseph, John, William.  

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Consolation Church, 603 W 2nd Ave, Parkesburg, PA 19365, with a visitation from  9:30 until 10:30 AM.  Burial will be private.

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (https://act.alz.org/).

 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg.  Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com