Gregory Blair Opal

It is with deep sorrow that our Greg passed away on September 12, 2023, after battling a lengthy illness. He was born in Colonie (Albany), New York, on July 4, 1958—a birthdate he was always so proud to own.

Greg was a 1976 graduate of Colonie Central High School earning an athletic basketball scholarship to Eastern New Mexico University. Greg loved basketball and it showed. He realized Council MVP status his senior year at Colonie while assisting the Raider Varsity Team in achieving the championship that year. He brought so much happiness and enjoyment to our family and friends with his dedication and enthusiasm to this sport. Game night was the best night!

Greg was an avid car and motor enthusiast from a young age. His diligence to the knowledge and skill of this industry led him to his ultimate profession of GM Certified Automobile Mechanic. Anyone who knew Greg, knew his was one of the best at his vocation. He always lent a hand when someone has an auto issue and needed help. In his final career, Greg enjoyed management of real estate in the Las Vegas/Henderson, NV area.

Greg had a sincere love for animals, especially dogs and cats. He enjoyed so very much taking his late buddy, Handsome, for runs in the open areas of Las Vegas/Henderson. He possessed a charisma of warmth and calmness that dogs and cats could feel immediately in his presence.

Other enjoyments to Greg were a challenge to fix/enhance whatever was broken or needed attention and not giving up until he did, delicious home-cooked meals, travel, amusement park fun and healthy conversations. Greg would always lend an ear when needed. He listened intently and ultimately provided the sought out words, thoughts and wisdom you were looking for.

Greg was the loving son of the late William Opal and Muriel (Carter) Opal; he is survived by his brother, Jeffery Opal; sister, Claudia (William) Fitzgerald; brother-in-law, Francis Caccia; niece, Lydia (Hector) Leon; great niece, Aurora Leon; and nephews, James McGinn and William Fitzgerald; he is pre-deceased by his sister, Roxanne Caccia; and sister-in-law, Janice Opal. Love and appreciation to his longtime dear and devoted friends, Tom and Robin VanDyke, Tony Andre and Ron Werner. A heartfelt thank you to the caregivers of Aluxe Residence and Alta Care Hospice for their gentle and kind care to Greg.

A loving, considerate and helpful soul, his family and close friends were always most important to him, and him to us. Greg, we will hold you in our hearts and will terribly miss you. Our memories will sustain us until we meet again. Your loving family.

There will be a private burial for Greg.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmdowntownmortuary.com for the Opal family.