JOHN J. FERRY & SONS FUNERAL HOME
http://www.jferryfh.com
Richard, "Rick" Alphonse Reale, 76, husband of Susan (Lohrmann) Reale, passed peacefully with loving family by his side on Thursday, January 7, 2021. Born in West Hartford on April 21, 1944, Richard was the son of Biagio and Frances (Zachary) Reale. After graduating from Platt High School in Meriden, Rick earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Education from Quinnipiac College followed by a Master's Degree in Education from Central Connecticut State University. On August 5, 1967, Rick married his high school sweetheart Susan and they soon bought a home in Meriden. Over the next 50 years, they raised four beautiful children to adulthood in their warm, joyous home, a home that also welcomed a wide network of family and friends. After a brief career teaching 5th grade in Middletown, Rick answered his calling as a self-employed painting and restoration contractor. Rick established himself as a true craftsman and consummate artist. His work on the well-publicized restoration of Yale's Battell Chapel and dome at Pierson College were only a few of the significant and historically distinguished projects in his portfolio. Rick's work ethic, reputation for quality, and honest nature made him in demand for countless unique and challenging projects along the east coast. Rick was a natural storyteller, sharing adventures with friends old and new at every possible opportunity and reveling in the tales of others. He loved to smile, laugh, hug, and cry. Rick always paused to celebrate the smallest details that others often failed to notice. He was the proud author of two books, Luca from Calabria, about a good friend's selfless heroism in the Vietnam War, and Tires, They're Optional, a memoir about his youthful adventures with cars and friends. Rick had a lifelong passion for cars, having grown up in the golden age of American automobiles. His capacity to recall obscure facts about any given car, make, engine, performance, craftsmanship, and stories behind them was a constant source of entertainment and amazement to his friends. He collected and traded cars throughout his life, integrating them into his ever-expanding stories, especially his treasured 1941 Packard Clipper. Beyond the spirit of fun and adventure that Rick found in cars, the care and attention he gave them served as a medium through which he taught his family to turn away from the superficiality of disposable culture. Caring for something truly, respectfully, and with regard for its true value, is how he engaged everything - his cars, his tools, his work, his life, his family and friendships. He was deliberate in sharing this precious lesson, making it a cornerstone of a life spent caring for and nurturing the best in everyone, and showing others how to do the same, especially his children, whom he loved beyond measure. Rick's other joys in life included traveling and visiting long distance friends and family, playing cards, watching football, and playing pool, once earning a spot in a national pool tournament. Rick is predeceased by his beloved son Richard Blaise Reale, who passed suddenly in 2020. He is survived by his wife Susan of Meriden, his son John and his wife Christine Reale, his daughter Melissa Reale, his son Robert Reale, along with his grandchildren Siena, Hunter and Blaise Reale, along with Rick's brother John Reale, and many loving nieces and nephews, extended family, and lifelong friends who are and always will be our family, including his long-time friend and business partner, Martin Zeiser. Rick was a devoted and proud Catholic and parishioner of St. Stanislaus Church in Meriden. Rick's was a life well-lived. A shining, sparkling example to all he knew. A never-ending smile and twinkle in his eyes. Humble, hard-working, selfless, joyful, and full of spirit, Rick will be missed by so many who loved him dearly. Rick's true gift was living in an open world of possibility with a playful spirit and a light heart. The source of his immense wealth was the love of his family and the love he returned to them. We are all infinitely richer for having known him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franciscan Home Care and Hospice of Meriden, 267 Finch Ave., Meriden, CT 06451, or Connecticut Hospice of Branford, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
For those special people, as well as Dr. Alsamarai and the oncology staff at MidState Medical Center, the Reale family will be forever grateful for their loving care of our beloved husband, father, brother, friend.
Services will be held at a later time as circumstances allow. Arrangements are under the direction of the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.
LINKS
Record-Journal
http://myrecordjournal.com
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook