This flag of Lebanon was captured in Dec. 1983 by L/Cpl. Angel Diaz, USMC, 2/8 Blt. Wpns. Company, Dragons Plt.  It is donated to the new Marine Corps Museum in Jacksonville, NC on behalf of all Marines who served Beirut, Lebanon, 1982-1984.  Be at peace my Marine brother and God bless you and your family.

Tracy, just heard about Alan today.  I'm devastated. Alan and I didn't talk a lot at once a year usually ran into each other somewhere My sympathy to you and I'm gonna miss him dearly

Greg Borchich 

Big Al was truly loved and respected by the Carlton Pace Family.  You will be missed and always remembered.  

Dear Alan, I will miss talking with you from across our great USA. RIP HERO and kind, sweet man. I will miss the photo's of you with all your friends and Boss. The world is a lesser place without you in it. 

XO,
Steph and Tater

"Big Al", that's what I knew him as. To my husband, he was larger than life. You see, there is this brotherhood that I will only get a taste of that exists between people who will forever be connected.  I may never even get a taste. I rode on Harleys, I loved men . . . There's an end to that sentence, but let's put a pin in it for now. I could sense United States Marble Champions even before they were near, & I always smiled at the sensation of being near them.
So, anyways, Al will be missed  by my husband and all those who knew him in any way. A man,  a vet , a friend. Love on 

Unfortunately, I was not granted the opportunity to meet you in person but you could not tell me I did not know you personally ..  I told everyone you were my God father lol. You became my TAP coordinator years back and always took care of business - you were always so helpful, positive and motivating… I called you for a week straight and said something isn’t right Al always answers for me. I then made a few calls to hear that you had made your transition to Heaven!!!  I appreciate your caring and genuine spirits and every ounce of motivation giving to continue my education even now with obtaining my Masters in May …Thankful to cross paths with A Great Man !!! Until we meet again 

It was an honor to meet Alan's precious sister Tracy on Saturday afternoon at Alan's viewing. She is lovely and looks just like her brother Alan. I shared with Tracy how very much my WWII - U.S. Marine Corps veteran father loved his Marine Corps buddy Alan. Alan was a great friend to my dad. A few years ago Alan had a very special plaque made for my father that he, Alan, presented to Dad at the Detroit Veteran's  Day parade. It was a poignant tribute to my father recognizing his service to his country in the Battle of Iwo Jima and it was signed, "Alan D. Opra, Chairman, Metropolitan  Detroit Veterans Coalition." Dad and Alan enjoyed attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball together a couple of times before it became too difficult for Dad to get around any more. Dad enjoyed Alan's annual Christmas card and seeing Boss on the card with Alan. When my father was near the end of his life, I let Alan know and he'd contact me to ask how Dad was doing. And it was Alan (and Boss was there, too) who brought his beloved trumpet and played the most beautiful "Taps" with all of his heart at Dad's funeral, every note perfect and melodious. I will never forget it. There will never be another Alan. It was an honor and privilege to know Alan and I am eternally grateful for his generous heart and all the kindness, love, and respect he gave my dad. Thank you Tracy for sharing with me Alan believed in God so I know he is in heaven with my dad and also with his parents. Alan is blessed to have you as his sister. My heart goes out to Boss as he loves Alan. I will greatly miss Alan and his Christmas cards. Thank you Lord for giving us Alan. His time on earth was short but Alan touched many lives in beautiful ways while he was with us. I know he surely touched my life. Alan's U.S. Marine Corps Challenge Coin that he gave to my father will always be next to Dad's Marine Corps picture in my living room. I look forward to seeing you in heaven, Alan. God bless you Tracy. 
~Debbie Cox



I first met Al through the Beirut facebook page. For several years we got to know each other very well. He knew of my PTSD aswell as others & one day he said I should come over to the USA to see the wall, talk to the brothers and see if I can get some kind of solace out of it. It was the 30th memorial where I met up with him in person finally. We exchanged gifts ect & became really close. His playing TAPs one night turned me to tears  but I learned a lot about the big man. His actions back then turned my life back & after seeking treatment I am am still here today. 2018 memorial we spent time together including Boss. He gifted by mail a knife which will be treasured just like the memory of the Lionheart he was. Thank you big man for your service & dedication. You will be missed by very, very many. Semper Fidelis.

Rest in Peace ole friend. Guard the Gates well Marine. Semper Fi!

Alan used to come into my store with his service dog he was such a kind and sweet man I will miss seeing him and his dog I say this with a heavy heart you will be missed, rest easy my friend 

Al and my cousin Latayna Burdis. UAW member from Ford. 

Both of us being veterans. Big Al and I road out to easy rider concert in Lansing mi....where  we were talked into getting our medical Marijuana cards...Love you brother

Gone way to young brother.  There was no finer dedicated man to any cause with a bigger heart than Big Al 💜 RIP Marine, it was a privilege to ride with you 💔 Rock 🎸 and Ride the sky's in peace until we meet again 🙏
Your UAW brother and Solidarity Rider 
Lightning 🌩


Sincerest condolences from your UAW sister Neko. Local 961 Detroit Axle family. 

after many many years  i re connected  with Alan  by fluke on Facebook..we were  distant  cousins    My  Parents were  he and Tracys   God Parent
 they Came to our city here in Chatham   Ontario  Many Times   as we went to East Detroit  many many Times
  Alan  had a great Memory  and told of stories of my Dad and he remembered my Sisters..
we had make plans   to see each other and with this Covid  border  crossing  is  next to impossible    January  14  is our  Orthodox New Years  it will be a sad new year for me    
Branco Michael Lewie  Memedovic


A true trade unionists, patriot and all around good man!

I had the pleasure of getting to know Alan through his involvement with the MDVC/Veterans Day parade through my work as a volunteer. To know him is to love him. I will miss you Alan. Rest well. Job well done.
Darci

I served with Al for most of our enlistment. Our first Duty station was Adak island Alaska where we met. after a year of service on Adak we transferred To the 8th Marine Regiment Camp Lejuene N.C. We deployed to Beirut Lebanon and participated in Multi National Peacekeeping Force. We Lost many good Marines during that operation. We remained Friends up until his passing. We recently attended a funeral for one of our Marine Brothers William Killgore at Kittanning P.A. We had our Final Beer together then. I will miss that gentle Giant.  Jeff Darling. USMC


My husband belong to the VFW Menge post everyone loved Alan know as Big AL
He will surely be missed

Semper Fi Brother until we meet again in Valhalla 

Fair Winds and Following Seas My Brother. We now have the Watch.

Big AL was not only a good friend but a leader, dedicated Veteran and Labor Advocate and a true patriot.  He had the ability to build consensus across diverse groups and personalities.  He was one of the best communicators I've ever met, treating each individual with respect and always being willing to listen.  He had the uncanny ability to bring calm to chaos and reason to insanity.  His departure from our ranks leaves a huge void, but the memories he leaves can serve as a roadmap for those who care about their community, state and nation.  Rest in peace my brother.

REST IN PEACE BROTHER AND BY THE WAY YOU HAVE GATE DUTY . I REALLY AM GOING TO MISS YOU IN OCTOBER AND FOR ALL THE DAYS TO COME . SEMPER FI TILL WE ALL DIE

Big Al . . . a big presence with a kind heart.  And a heck of a trumpet!  My deepest sympathies for your loss.


Brother I will miss seeing you and Boss at the Remembrances . We didn't see eye to eye on politics but you are our brother and you will never be Forgotten.  RIP  Warrior  . Semper Fi  !! It asks for relationship. I put Friend but you are Friend and brother. 

You will always be remembered. Love Bolt. 

Semper Fi Marine.  Be at peace with God and our brothers.

Thank you for all you have done. Semper Fi

My friend and I at the Marine Corps Museum at the Beirut Memorial display besides a photo of us on patrol in Beirut. Rest in Peace till Valhalla Semper Fidelis 

OBITUARY

Alan David Opra

July 9, 1964 – January 5, 2022

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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