Stephen Opet

Stephen Lawrence Opet Jr, 54, transcended into his next life on New Years Eve, 2016. He was born to Carol and Steve Opet, in Wilkes Barre, PA. He spent a beautiful childhood with his parents and two siblings, Chuck and Karen Opet, living his small town life to the fullest. Stephen had an affinity for nature, and spent many days hunting with his father and exploring the uncharted forests of rural Pennsylvania. Throughout his childhood, Stephen was an avid football player, and played for the duration of his childhood. As the star tailback on his high school team, he made many close friends who undoubtedly influenced the way he saw the world.

Unable to settle for a small town lifestyle, Stephen pursued a greater education at the University of Lehigh, where he studied metallurgical engineering: a field that would capture his passion and intellectual interest for the rest of his life. Though he was admitted under an athletic scholarship, he suffered a knee injury his freshman year and was forced to permanently retire his cleats. Stephen never shared many of his college adventures, but his sons can only imagine the misadventures he must have embarked on as a man with few regrets.

After graduation, Stephen was offered his dream job; a government engineer on the Jersey Shore. He moved to Seaside, and became enamoured with the comparatively fast-paced life. At work, Stephen found himself able to provide expertise that none other could, and quickly earned prestige as a man who effectively spoke his mind. He was able to reap the benefits of his educational quest, and he absolutely loved it.

Around this time, Stephen met Karen Shupe, the future mother of his two children. After the birth of his children, Billy and Stephen III, Stephen dedicated the remainder of his life to raising them. Through the good times and the bad, he was a constant symbol of strength and reason to his children. He was always there to support them; whether it be at school, boy scouts, or sports. His greatest passion was to inspire them intellectually. Under his tutorage, both children were put on course to earn a rich education from the best opportunities available. When it came to his children, Stephen’s actions were consistently selfless- the greatest lesson he ever provided.

Stephen passed peacefully in his sleep. He leaves behind his two children, and a family who loves him very dearly. A service will be held Saturday, January 7, at 11am at the Manahawkin United Methodist Church. Thos. L Shinn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. All are welcome to pay their respects to a great thinker, a loving father, and a good man.