Albert Joseph “Al” Opersteny, 90, devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 8, 2012. Al was born and raised in Bryan, TX. His parents owned and operated a variety store in the “North Gate” area near Texas A&M University. Al attended grade school, high school, and college in the Bryan/College Station area. He studied Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M for 3 years, and in October 1942 he was drafted by the United States Army Air Corps (Air Force). He was assigned to the 505th Bomber Group as a B-29 Superfortress Maintenance Supervisor, based on Tinian Island, (Marianas, Pacific Ocean) and witnessed the Enola Gay mission to end the war with Japan. After his discharge in 1946, he moved to Houston, TX and worked for F.H. Maloney Company for 2 years. After employment at Reed Roller Bit Company, he began what would be a long and successful career at Hughes Tool Company. Highlights of his career at Hughes include his work on CIA Project Jennifer in 1974 and developing a state-of-the-art drill bit manufacturing facility in mainland China during the 1980s.
Al and his wife Gertrude married in October 1947, and raised four sons. They were active members at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and various school organizations. They passionately supported their children’s wide-ranging endeavors such as science, sports, and music, but most importantly, taught them how to become responsible and caring adults.
Regardless of one’s affiliation with Al, one personality trait resonated throughout his life---he was a true gentleman. Family members, friends, co-workers, caregivers, and even foreign dignitaries will attest that he treated every individual with proper respect and put their needs first before his own.
Al is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Albina Opersteny, and his loving wife Gertrude. He is survived by his sister, Christine, and his sons, Robert and wife Sharon; Don and wife Karen; Rick and wife Lisa; Douglas and wife Suzanne; and seven grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 11, 2012, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 10330 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX 77096. Rite of Committal will follow at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org).
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