Daniel W Opdyke

Daniel W. Opdyke, 80, of Mayetta, New Jersey, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025, in Barnegat, NJ. He was born in Phillipsburg, NJ. He was a Vietnam veteran; retired union leader for the Lacey power plant of 30 years; first-aid responder; devoted friend, husband, father, and grandfather, a loving man who fought for what he believes in, and an all-around hero. This world was a better place for having him in it.

Dan always put his whole heart into everything he did. He was an avid outdoorsman, and a Jack of all trades. He was full of wisdom and compassion, motivated beyond measure by his giving heart, and enjoyed making those around him laugh. He loved his wife (of 55 years), daughters and grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren, endlessly. They were his world.

He is predeceased by his father and mother, Edward Opdyke and Bernice Laird; his brother, Wesley Opdyke; and his sister, Judith Malia and her husband Michael. He is survived by his brother, Edward Opdyke and his wife Laura; and sister-in-law Linda Opdyke; along with many nieces and nephews; his beloved wife, Donna, and their daughters – Lisa Wilbur, along with her children, Paul “PB” Scott and his wife Caitlyn, Austin Wilbur, and Brianna “Bria” Platt; Terry Young, along with her children, Daniel Fodor and Daryen Wallace; Denica Truex and her husband Leroy “Barney”, along with their children, Leroy “Barney” Truex Jr. and his wife Danielle, Elizabeth Thomas and her husband Michael, and Catherine Adair and her husband Jacob; and Danielle DeCaprio and her fiancé Garrett Heimbold, along with her daughter, Race-Victorious DeCaprio; and his many great-grandchildren.

Burial and services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777) in memory of Daniel W. Opdyke.

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Dan for the Opdyke family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ was entrusted with the arrangements.