Thomas Joseph Opilla

Please click here to view the Live Stream of the Funeral Service for Mr. Thomas J. Opilla. The Live Stream will begin at 12:00pm on Friday, December 12th, 2020.

Thomas passed away on October 30, 2020.  Born on April 23, 1947 in Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Thomas attended St. Peters Prep, Jersey City, NJ (1960-1962).  He graduated from Good Counsel High School, Wheaton, MD in 1964.  He attended Catholic University of America, Washington D.C. (Sept. 1964-June 1966) after completion of military service in the Coast Guard (June 1971-Dec. 1976).  Completed but 3 credits toward a biology degree (June 1965-Sept. 1965) as a biological aid at Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge Department of Interior.  Thomas assisted staff biologist in maintaining waterfowl and upland game birds and their habitats.  Participated in DDT and lead-shot studies. Worked as an Aquarist at the National Aquarium, U.S. Department of Interior.  Responsible for exhibit design and all graphics.  His hobbies were oil painting, modeling, and fiction writing.  Thomas subsequently retired from the Dept. of Interior.  Thomas is survived by his wife, Donna.