Raymond R. Opincarne 1921-2025
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Lt. Col. Raymond R. Opincarne, USAF (Retired), passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 103.
He was born July 23, 1921, in Youngstown, the youngest of eight children born to Mary and John Opincariu of Youngstown.
He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia Marie.
Ray is survived by four sons, Richard, Gary, Mark and David; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was also predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth, Flora, Mary and Virginia; and brothers, Daniel, John and Robert, all of Youngstown.
He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserve in December 1942 and instructed U.S. Navy Aviation Cadets in New Castle, Pa., while in the Army Reserve Corps.
Col. Opincarne was commissioned in the U.S. Army Air Force through the Aviation Cadet Training Program, subsequently being assigned to the Air Force Transport Command, China-Burma-India Theatre of Operations, flying cargo planes to China over the Himalayas until the end of World War II.
He returned home in February 1946 and married Virginia Marie Tanner of New Castle, Pa.
He attended the William Ryan School of Engineering, Youngstown University, prior to volunteering for the Korean War in March 1951, and served a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1965.
His various stateside assignments included chief, Communications-Electronics Branch, Headquarters Fifteenth Air Force, Strategic Air Command and C-E Systems Officer, Combat Operations Center and Air Defense Command (NORAD) located within Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation (Korea), the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in Vietnam while exposed to hostile fire and the Air Defense Command Joint Services Commendation Medal for meritorious service as C-E Systems Officer, Combat Operations Center (NORAD). Col. Opincarne retired in July 1970 after 28 years of military service.
Ray will be remembered for his open heart, his quickness to make and join in a joke, his skill and work ethic in caring for his home and garden, and his never-ending love and reverence for his wife, Virginia. He was a trusted, loved friend to all his family, whose warmth, wit and generosity will not be forgotten.
Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Shrine of Remembrance, Colorado Springs, with graveside services to follow.
He will be interred in Evergreen Cemetery, Colorado Springs.
(special notice)