Obituary for Louis J. "Lou" Reale
Louis J. Reale, 99 of West Hartford died peacefully on November 23, 2017 in the home he shared with his wife of 36 years, Grace M. Reale. Lou leaves behind his son Robert L. Reale (Kimberly), his daughter Joanne Stoddard, and his step-daughter Mary B. Udice (Dennis). He was predeceased by his daughter Elizabeth R. Chappell (David). He was delighted by his six grandchildren: Benjamin Stoddard, Peter, Kellianne and Carson Reale, and Laura and Michael Udice.
Lou was born and raised in New Britain, as the second son of Salvatore and Mary (DeLeo) Reale. He leaves behind two brothers, Albert Reale (Theresa) and George Reale (Lee) and was predeceased by his older brother Joseph Reale (Mary).
As a young man, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1936 and served two tours of duty aboard the USS Drayton a D366. He traveled during that period and participated in the search for Amelia Earhart. He left the Navy in 1940 and enlisted in the 5th Army Air Corps at the start of WWII. He saw action in the Pacific.
After the war he worked as a photojournalist in New York City before returning to Connecticut to pursue a career as an Industrial Engineer specializing in process and time management.
The family would like to thank Augustine O'Afrane, Samantha Minta, Lennox Wilkins, Danny Ringrose and the staff of Hartford Health Care Hospice for their wonderful care.
Family and friends may gather Saturday, Dec.2, starting at 11:00am at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home in West Hartford. A memorial service will begin at noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite #1, Hamden, CT 06517.
Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com
Lou was born and raised in New Britain, as the second son of Salvatore and Mary (DeLeo) Reale. He leaves behind two brothers, Albert Reale (Theresa) and George Reale (Lee) and was predeceased by his older brother Joseph Reale (Mary).
As a young man, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1936 and served two tours of duty aboard the USS Drayton a D366. He traveled during that period and participated in the search for Amelia Earhart. He left the Navy in 1940 and enlisted in the 5th Army Air Corps at the start of WWII. He saw action in the Pacific.
After the war he worked as a photojournalist in New York City before returning to Connecticut to pursue a career as an Industrial Engineer specializing in process and time management.
The family would like to thank Augustine O'Afrane, Samantha Minta, Lennox Wilkins, Danny Ringrose and the staff of Hartford Health Care Hospice for their wonderful care.
Family and friends may gather Saturday, Dec.2, starting at 11:00am at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home in West Hartford. A memorial service will begin at noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite #1, Hamden, CT 06517.
Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com