Joseph J. Rea

THE FAMILY RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT MASKS PLEASE BE WORN FOR ALL SERVICES

Joseph J. Rea, (89), a lifetime resident of South Plainfield, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2022 in Easton, PA.  Joseph was born on September 26, 1932 to Louis and Andriana Rea (nee Chicarelli).

Born and raised on a farm, he learned early the value of hard work.  Upon graduating from North Plainfield High School, he found his way into Real Estate, a career he truly loved.  In 1965, he ventured into his own real estate business and began the Joseph J. Rea Agency in Piscataway. For 40 years, Joe served his clients with generosity, resourcefulness, and integrity. He always kept the needs of his clients as his top priority.  In addition, Joe enjoyed being a part-time general contractor building numerous houses, both for clients and his fortunate family. He lovingly built a house at the Jersey shore as a special place for his family and friends to gather and create years of summer memories.  It was his “happy place”, where he loved to spend time on his boat.  He also enjoyed hunting with his son and was a master tinkerer who was able to fix anything you gave to him.

Real Estate also brought Joe to the love of his life.  Joe met Lucille Coltri, a legal secretary, whom he worked with on real estate closings.  On May 16, 1959, Joe and Lucille married at St. Mary’s Church in Plainfield, NJ. 

He was a lifetime parishioner of Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in South Plainfield, NJ where he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Joe was also active with many civic organizations.  He was a charter member and a former president of the Piscataway Rotary Club and was honored to be a five-time Paul Harris Fellow. As a Rotarian, Joe served as chair of the Piscataway High School scholarship selection committee, sponsored the annual pizza party for the students at the Piscataway Regional Day School for several years, and helped raise funds for the All Children’s Playground in Piscataway. Joe was also a member of the Piscataway Chamber of Commerce, South Plainfield Jaycees, The Italian American clubs of South Plainfield and Piscataway, and UNICO.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, and his siblings Louise, Nicholas, Emilio, Carmen, and Norman. He lost his sister Maria only 2 weeks ago at the age of 101. He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 63 years, Lucille, his loving children Karen Gumina (Jeff), Andrea Pesta (Ken), and Joseph Rea (Kathy). In addition, Joe is survived by his six cherished grandchildren Kristen (David), Nicholas, Kerry, Amanda, Joseph and Rachel.  Also, he is survived by his nieces and nephews. Joe always looked forward to his many outings with his niece Norma Stangle and her husband John.

Family and friends may visit from 5:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Sheenan Funeral Home in Dunellen.  The funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 8th at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Church in South Plainfield. A burial service will immediately follow at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Joseph’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.  You can donate online by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association website or mail a donation to: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011   

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