ROTTERDAM – Patrick Raymond Opel, 57, passed away on April 5, 2014 at Albany Medical Center with his family by his side after a year-long battle with cancer. Pat was born February 25, 1957 the son of Raymond Opel and the late Janet Reisinger Opel.

Pat graduated from Mont Pleasant High School in 1975. A master carpenter and residential home builder, he owned and operated Precision Homes, Inc. for the past 27 years. Pat built many homes in the Capital District and Saratoga area. Prior to home building, he was employed by DeNooyer Chevrolet for 10 years as an auto technician. Pat was an avid outdoorsman, deer hunter and a NASCAR fan. Pat's generosity and kindness were an inspiration to all who knew him. He lived his life with integrity and bravery.

Along with his mother, Pat was predeceased by his grandmother Dorothy Reisinger.

Pat is survived by his wife, Paula A. Opel; sister Cynthia (Michael) Panunzio of Clifton Park; brothers Michael (Paula E.) Opel of Clifton Park and Brian (Barbara) Opel of Rotterdam; sister-in-law Donna (William) Venezio of Ballston Spa; mother-in-law Clara Gwozdz of Schenectady; nieces and nephews Brandon Opel of Birmingham, AL, Erin (Josh) Williams of Colorado Springs, CO, Kara Opel of Clifton Park, Ashleigh Panunzio of San Diego, CA, and William Venezio of Ballston Spa; canine companions Franklin and Oscar, and feline friend Peaches.

A special thank you goes to the Albany Medical staff at D5E for their wonderful care and compassion over the past two months.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday at 1:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. Memorial calling hours will precede the service from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302.