Opalacz, Fr. Michael F.

Father Michael Francis Opalacz, 73, of Honolulu, Hawaii, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2023, after a battle with Parkinson's disease. Father Michael was born on July 28, 1950, in Middletown, Connecticut, to Francis (Frank) and Cecelia Opalacz. He was called early to serve God in religious life and joined the Marion Fathers after graduating from Xavier High School. He later received a BA from Catholic University and a Master of Divinity from Steubenville University. Father Michael began his ministry to care for the sick and elderly by obtaining his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) from Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts, and completed Advanced Pastoral Care studies at Chaminade University of Honolulu. He joined the Society of Saint Damien De Veuster (3rd order Franciscan), and was made a deacon in 2014 and a priest in 2016. Father Michael is predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his brother, John Opalacz; his nieces, Jennifer Opalacz and Kristin Knott; his nephew, Daniel Opalacz; and countless cousins. He will be sorely missed by his adopted Hawaiian community, as evidenced by the tremendous outpouring of love since his death, especially Bishop Ernest Silva and the Silva family, who made Honolulu feel like home for Father Michael. “Father Mike” or “Opie,'' as he was known, was a friend to all, feeding the homeless and greeting them by name. His patience with the elderly was demonstrated during his ministry at the Hale Nani Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. His kindness and grace are a lesson to us all. Visitation will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, at St. Mary of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Middletown; services will immediately follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com

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