Joseph Richard Opozda

We are heartbroken to announce the death of our father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Joseph Richard “Richie” Opozda. He passed away peacefully at the age of 79 after a brief illness. He most enjoyed spending time with his daughter, driving 90 minutes each way to do anything with his grandsons, being a friend to any dog he met, collecting baseball cards, listening to music such as Buddy Holly or John Denver and debating politics – even if you agreed with him. He was a proud union electrician with IBEW Local 90 and, above all, an avid sports fan. Mickey Mantle was his hero and we will especially remember his deep love of the New York Yankees.

He leaves behind his daughter, Laurie, who was the center of his universe and her husband David Tubman of Westborough, MA. His beloved grandsons: David Tubman of Brooklyn, NY, Gregory Tubman of Boston, MA and Adam Tubman of Westborough, MA. His brother David and his sister-in-law Mary (Rosol) Opozda of Plantsville, CT. His nieces, Kelsey (Opozda) and her husband Chris Ayotte of Brooklyn, NY and Nicole (Buratti) and her husband Jay Reyes of Clifton, VA, his nephew Gary Buratti, two grand-nieces Bella and Lena, one grand-nephew Theo and many cousins and friends.

Richie was predeceased by his wife Denise (Buratti) Opozda, his parents Henry and Matilda (Dombroskas) Opozda, his brother Henry “Skip” Opozda, his nephew Matthew Opozda and by his many dogs.

A period of visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2023 at New Britain Memorial & Donald D. Sagarino Funeral Home, 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain from 10:00am-12:00pm. A prayer service will follow at 12:00pm and interment services will be held at St. Mary Cemetery, Stanley Street, New Britain. For an online memorial, please visit www.NewBritainSagarino.com.