Obituary of George W. Reale
George W. Reale of Brookfield, CT joined this world on July 23, 1946. As the first of four children of Frank and Martha, he grew up in Mt. Vernon, NY with his siblings - Frank, Patricia and Bob.
While his earlier years were filled with memorable “young man” escapades (and there were many), the adventure changed course when he met Kate in 1968. George was 23 and Kate was 20 when they married; and within two years, their boys – George Jr. and Brian – joined their journey. During that time, they enjoyed bowling and softball leagues, camping, sailing, vacationing in Hilton Head, laughing and most importantly, spending time with family.
In 2000, George and Kate became grandparents when Blake, Ella and Catherine joined the next phase of their journey. And they spent the years following, taking them on road trips, cheering them on at their sporting events and showering them with unconditional love.
In retirement, they frequently traveled with Frank and Janet, Pat and Tony; and Bob and Marie to Bermuda, France, Italy, Germany and Hawaii. Making memories that provided endless hours of stories and laughter for years to come.
George lived 500 years in the 74 calendar years we had with him on earth because of the lives he impacted. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He saved lives as a New Rochelle fireman and Deputy Chief; and EMT instructor. He gave of his time to organizations like the Boy Scouts, Lions Club and Project Liberty as a crisis counselor in the aftermath of September 11th. He had a wide range of interests that manifested as informal historian, avid reader, outdoorsman, and poet.
His positive outlook was admired by those who knew him and was generous in all aspects of his life – unreservedly giving of his love, laughter, knowledge, acceptance, patience, time and money. Whatever he had, he happily shared with others and had a unique way of making everyone he spoke to feel heard.
He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — family, good friendships and the simplicity of spending time with those you love.
George entered the gates of heaven on April 9th with the vibrancy and health of a young man and was greeted with an outpouring of love from his mother and father, Martha and Frank; a warm hug and beautiful smile from Marie; and gregarious enthusiasm and belly bumps from Frank, Bob and Tony.
He will be tremendously missed by his wife Kate, children George and Brian (Jen), grandchildren Blake, Ella and Catherine; and sister Patricia. In addition to several brothers/sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. But we are able to smile knowing that he is now with other beloved family members and that they are together eating good food, drinking good wine, playing golf and looking for ways to torment their sister, Pat.
Friends are invited to join the family in celebrating George’s life and share stories at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Rd., Katonah, NY on Thursday, April 15th from 3-7pm and at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 95 Plum Brook Rd., Somers, NY on Friday, April 16th at 10am.
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To Attend the Memorial Visitation on Thursday April 15th Virtually:
https://zoom.us/j/2608209098
Meeting ID: 260 820 9098
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