Joseph Opalinski, Jr., 81 of Holly, Michigan passed away in his home October 21, 2022 surrounded by loving family.

Joe grew up in Detroit, graduated from Chadsey High School, and held undergraduate and master's degrees in Art and Education from Wayne State University. He worked in the Oak Park School District teaching drawing, painting, ceramics and cartooning for 35 years until his retirement in 1998. Not able to slow down, Joe bucked retirement and returned to teaching ceramics at Oakland Community College. The last few years he continued to invest in his skills as a master potter and remained a master teacher to those around him at The Flint Institute of Arts. Outside of the classroom, Joe enjoyed demonstrating throwing technique from the Potter's Shed at Greenfield Village. He championed young artists serving as a juror for Southeastern Michigan's Scholastic Art Awards. And he volunteered in support of his many artist friends at The Annual Potters Market. Joe's vocation was teaching and his passion was pottery. The art he created and sold throughout his life is his shared legacy of joy and devotion. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Anna, and his children Jeffrey Mumper (Carrie); Matthew Opalinski, Julie Machen and his grandchildren Noah and Neve Machen. He is missed by his loving cat, Lillie. Joe has two sisters, Christine Schiller and Laura Jameson and an abundance of dear friends.

Please join us in remembrance of his life Thursday, October 27 between 3:00-8:00 p.m. Remembrance will resume Friday, October 28 from 10-11. Memorial Service to immediately follow 11am. Coats Funeral Home, 8909 Dixie Highway, Clarkston.

Joe loved all animals any donations in his name should be made to the Michigan Humane Society.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph Opalinski, please visit our Tree Store.

Michigan Humane Society
30300 Telegraph Road Suite 220, Bingham Farms MI 48025-4507
Web: https://www.michiganhumane.org/donatenow/?sl_tc=zotabox_donate