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Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads

Joliet, Illinois

Joseph Opiola Obituary

Opiola, Joseph

Joseph Opiola, age 77, of Channahon, formerly of Chicago, passed away Friday, January 12, 2024 at the Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet. Joseph was born February 21, 1946, in Chicago to the late George and Karoline Opiola. He served for 30 years as a Sergeant with the Chicago Police Department, retiring in 1996. Following his retirement, he took a position with the Will County Forest Preserve. In his free time, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a lifelong Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox fan and enjoyed watching the games. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret "Maggie" Opiola (nee Klaus); his children, Keith (Polly) Opiola and Melissa (Lange) Payne; his grandchildren, Nikolas and Logan Opiola, and Joey and Vinny Payne; his brother, Anthony (Susan) Opiola, two brothers-in-law, Raymond (Rita) Klaus and James (Beverly) Klaus; sister-in-law Patricia Opiola; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Robert Opiola. Visitation for Joseph Opiola will be Monday, January 15, 2024 from 4-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington) Rd., Joliet. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, leaving the funeral home at 9 a.m. and processing to St. Ann Catholic Church in Channahon for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Cremation rites to be accorded following services. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 14, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Opiola

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mike kerrigan

February 13, 2026

Joe & I were partners in the early 70's. Good policeman and better partner and friend....

Mike Kerrigan

January 8, 2026

Another year has past and Joe like many other friends have moved on...

I look back on my partnership with Joe and can honestly say - never had a bad day......
Thank you Joe

mike kerrigan

December 3, 2025

Joe and I were partners in the 012th District in the early 70's.

Joe wasn't the type to beat around the bush - If he wanted you to know something - there was no question as to what he meant.

He was a good policeman - and a better friend. I miss him....

mike kerrigan

February 14, 2025

Joe was my partner in the early seventies....through the years - lost contact....
truly regret that.....

mike kerrigan

January 8, 2025

Joe was my 1st steady partner on the job. He'd drive and I'd do the paper. Good policeman - better partner - great human being.
Miss you pal.

TOMMY GIERUT

February 27, 2024

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO TO FAMILY. GREW-UP W/ JOE. SPENT MANY HRS
PLAYING BALL AY GREENE SCHOOL [ SCHOOL YARD ]. TILDEN TECH.

GREAT MOM & DAD & BROTHERS!

WILL MISS YOU BUDDY.

TOMMY GIERUT RET CPD & MY DOG 'TROOPER'
ELMWOOD PARK, IL

Lance Handzel

January 23, 2024

Sorry to hear you passed my friend wish I were there to say thank you and good bye. Thanks for teaching me how to be a catcher for the baseball team at Vittum Park.
Love Lance Handzel

Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results

Memorial Events
for Joseph Opiola

Jan

15

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes - Joliet

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL

Jan

16

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Ann Catholic Church - Channahon

24500 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory - Joliet Chapel

3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL 60431

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