John Frank Opeka

John left behind these words, wanting to tell his own story one last time.

“John was born on November 9, 1940 in Forest City, PA, he was the son of Frank C. Opeka and Albina Chodorowski Opeka. He graduated from Forest City High School in 1958 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 1962. He served in the United States Nuclear Navy from 1962 to 1967, part of the time on the USS LONG BEACH, the first nuclear powered guided missile cruiser, where officers for operating the nuclear reactors were hand-selected by Admiral Hyman Rickover, known as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy. He served on the USS Long Beach when the three nuclear surface ships, the cruiser Long Beach, frigate Bainbridge and aircraft carrier Enterprise traveled around the world for 60 days without taking on fuel or food as part of Operation Sea Orbit. He left the Navy in 1967 as a Lieutenant. He worked as the Instrumentation and Electrical Project Engineer on the Palisades Nuclear Plant for Combustion Engineering in Windsor, Connecticut from 1967 to 1970. In 1969, He married Jacqueline Fiorillo of New Britain, Connecticut. He began his utility career with Northeast Utilities as an engineer in the Nuclear Production Department at Berlin, Connecticut. He obtained a Senior Reactor Operator’s License at the Millstone Nuclear Power Station in Waterford, Connecticut in 1975 and was subsequently named Millstone Plant Services Superintendent. In 1977, he became the Millstone Assistant Plant Superintendent and in 1978 Station Superintendent. He was named System Superintendent –Nuclear Operations in 1980, becoming responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of Millstone 1 and 2 and the Connecticut Yankee nuclear plants. He was elected Vice President Nuclear Operations in 1981 and named Senior Vice President Nuclear Engineering and Operations in 1985. He received a Masters of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1982 and completed the Program for Management Development course at the Harvard Business School in 1984. In 1986, he was named Executive Vice President Engineering and Operations for Northeast Utilities subsidiary companies. In 1991, he was named Executive Vice President-Nuclear being responsible for the overall engineering and operations of Northeast Utilities five nuclear plants, Millstone 1, 2 and 3, Connecticut Yankee and Seabrook in NH. He retired from Northeast Utilities (now Eversource) in 1995. Locally he served as a Director for the Opportunities Industrialization Center, Director and President for Opportunities Incorporated, President and Trustee for the Thames Science Center, President and Director for the Spinnaker Condominium Association and President and Governor for the Black Hall Golf Club in Old Lyme. He had two brothers, Frank Opeka (deceased) of Forest City, PA and Thomas Opeka(deceased) of Pittston, PA.”

In the words of his daughters:

Our dad was our father and our hero. He taught us that hard work, kindness, and generosity are not just values, but ways of living. His legacy is one of determination, service, and a deep sense of responsibility.

As a leader, John Opeka was unparalleled. He had an innate ability to lead by example and inspire those around him to strive for greatness. Due to his humble beginnings, he was relentless in his support for the underdog. He was a mentor at heart, always offering guidance, wisdom, and a steady hand when it was most needed.

No matter how demanding his career was, Dad never missed a moment to be present for us. Whether it was a school play, a band concert, or a weekend soccer game, he was there, camera and cigar in hand, capturing the memories with his trusty tripod in tow. Those moments, both grand and simple, shaped who we are today. He believed in the power of experience as a teacher and exposing us to a world far beyond his own childhood. Each adventure, whether a walk around the block or a stroll down a cobblestone street in France, was a lesson in living fully.

Dad was our leader, our provider, our mentor, and above all, our greatest champion. Though we will miss him deeply, his love, wisdom, and laughter will remain with us always. His legacy is one that will continue to guide and inspire us.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to Opportunities Industrialization Center of New London County, 106 Truman Street, New London, Ct. 06320.