Jeffery W. Opal

It is with deep sorrow that our Jeff passed away on October 19, 2024, after battling a lengthy illness. He was born in Niskayuna, New York, on November 25, 1951. Jeff was a 1969 graduate of Colonie Central High School earning a scholarship to SUNY Albany and accomplishing a BS degree in Biology. He later returned to school and graduated from the Albany College of Pharmacy in 1984 pursuing his lifetime career in this field. Jeff was an excellent student, always achieving a position in the top percentile of his class. For many years, Jeff supported our family business, Doctor’s Ambulance (Albany), as an EMT. Thereafter, he started his profession as Pharmacy Technician at Ellis Hospital (Schenectady). Jeff and his wife, Jan, then decided to build the rest of their life in the North Country (Morrisonville)—which they loved so much. He began as an inpatient pharmacist at CVPH in Plattsburgh. From there, he was employed by Fays Drugs for many years and ultimately finished his career with Rite Aid. After retirement, he held a part-time position at CVPH as an outpatient pharmacist and volunteered in the CVPH emergency room. Jeff was incredibly smart, wise, diligent, creative, handy and meticulous in all his endeavors. He was an avid sportsman and skilled in precision shooting—a long-time member of the Peru Rod and Gun Club, the Siberian Rod and Gun Club, the Chesterfield Rod and Gun Club, the North Country Practical Pistol League and the Green Mountain Practical Shooters. He loved to share his skills and creative talents with others eager to learn. He loved a challenge to fix/enhance whatever needed attention and not giving up until it was accomplished. Jeff was an excellent cook (smoking foods was a specialty for him), a meticulous leather craftsman and a lover of Ballantine XXX Ale! Jan and Jeff had an incredible marriage of 38 years—they were the best of friends. Their dog, Dancer, was a huge part of his life—he deeply hurt after the loss of both. Jeff had a sincere love for dogs and cats, possessing a charisma of warmth and calmness that they could immediately feel in his presence. Jeff was the loving son of the late William Opal and Muriel (Carter) Opal; the loving husband of the late Janice (Franklin) Opal; he is survived by his beloved sister, Claudia (William) Fitzgerald; brothers-in-law, Francis Caccia, James (Theresa) Franklin, Robert (Mary Jo) Franklin; nieces, Lydia (Hector) Leon, Stephanie Brasel and Kristina Tomek; great niece, Aurora Leon; nephews, James McGinn, William Fitzgerald, James Franklin, Sean Franklin, Erik Franklin; and his buddy and dear friend, Squeakers; he is pre-deceased by his sister, Roxanne Caccia and brother, Gregory Opal, and brother-in-law, David Franklin. A loving, considerate, simple and helpful soul. His family, furry family and close friends were always most important to him, and him to us. You are truly such a great loss to all. God bless you, Jeff. We will hold you in our hearts and will terribly miss you. Thank you for all you did for, and meant to us. You were the “bestest” big brother a sibling could ever ask for. Our memories will sustain us until we meet again. Your loving family. A heartfelt “thank you” to all of you who were there for Jeff during his final months to help in any way you could. Medical team of floor R6 of CVPH, you were wonderful. There will be a private ceremony for Jeff.