SSG Lucas James Opuda

Staff Sgt. Lucas James Opuda , 27, Girardville, passed away unexpectedly Friday, shortly after arriving at Schuylkill Medical Center South Jackson Street, Pottsville.

Born in Pottsville, he was a son of John J. and Ruth Ann "Kennedy" Opuda, Girardville.

Luke was a 2005 graduate of Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School. He served as a section leader for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

SSG Opuda first was mobilized to Louisiana to aide in the relief efforts of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He then served our country in 2008 to 2009 after being mobilized as a Cavalry Scout and Gunner for his unit Alpha Troop 2-104 Cavalry Squadron during Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving in the 56th SBCT. In 2012 to 2013, SSG Opuda was mobilized as a Security Team Leader for ISAF in the United States Corps. of Engineers during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

During his two deployments, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Noncomissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, PA Nat'l Guard General Thomas R. White Ribbon and the PA Nat'l Guard General Thomas J. Stewart Ribbon. Luke was not only a great son, brother and friend, but a true hero and soldier.

Luke was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents John and Wanda Opuda, his maternal grandparents Thomas and Jennie Kennedy and his uncle Jim "Cruncher" Kennedy.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother Jacob Thomas Opuda, his sister Jennifer Marie Opuda and his "Nana" Catherine Houser, all of Girardville. Luke is survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his military family.

Friends may call at the Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home, Girardville, on Friday morning from 9 a.m. until 12:30. Funeral Services with full military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. with Chaplain (Maj) Schaun Myers officiating. Interment will follow at Ft. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers contributions, in Luke's name, be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Forms will be available at the funeral home.