Nicholas E. Opencar 1939-2022

He was born May 10, 1939, in Youngstown, a son of Nick and Mary Jane Rosan Opencar, and was a lifelong Campbell resident.

Nick was a 1957 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and went on to begin his career in banking the following week, on June 10, 1957, as a teller at the Dollar Savings and Trust Co. on Tenney Avenue, where he worked for 37 years, retiring Jan. 1, 1994, as the assistant vice-president of the commercial loan department. Aside from banking, Nick was a self-employed income tax preparer.

Nick honorably served in the Army National Guard.

Nick also served as an instructor for the American Institute of Banking at Youngstown State University for fellow bankers; he also served as president and board member of Eastern Mental, treasurer and board member of the Youngstown Society for the Blind, treasurer of the St. Lucy Men’s Society and treasurer of the St. Lucy’s Assumption Festival.

Involved in many projects and serving on many committees throughout his life, Nick served his hometown of Campbell with great pride as city treasurer for six years, vice president of City Council for two years, and finally, as president of City Council for six years. Nick, along with Charles Koulianos, started the Campbell Little Red Devils in 1974.

Nick enjoyed his sweets, especially his donuts and Dunkin Donuts frozen coffee. He also enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, coin collecting and selling, building model boats and trains, going to the local air show, and attending the CMHS football games over the years. Out of all of his interests and hobbies, none were as loved as much as spending time with his family.

Nick is survived by his wife, the former Carmela Zockle, whom he married May 13, 1961; and his children, Karen Illencik of Hubbard, Nick (Stella) Opencar, Jeff (Jodi) Opencar, Brian “BJ” Opencar, all of Campbell, and Angela (Joel) Vallas of Poland. He also leaves 16 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Barbara Ross.

The Opencar family has entrusted Nick’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell. Calling hours will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. Saturday at the cathedral, with Msgr. Peter Polando officiating.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

(special notice)