Joseph Allen Reale, 87, of Monongahela, died peacefully Thursday, January 31, 2019 in his home. He was born May 20, 1931 in New Eagle, the son of Joseph and Martha Furiga Reale.
Joe was formerly employed at Combustion Engineering in East Monongahela until its closing and retired from the payroll department at Abex Corporation in Canonsburg. After retirement, Joe continued to work for Henson Maintenance in Monongahela for several years. He was a veteran having served with the US Army in the Korean War and a member of the Carroll American Legion James C. Ford Post 949 in Dunkirk. Joe was a very active member of St. Damien of Molokai Parish, where he was a lifelong usher, on the parish council, offering counter, volunteered his time at St. Vincent De Paul and a member of Council 2600 St. Damien of Molokai Knights of Columbus where he received the honors of Third Degree Knight. Joe was the drummer with Ed Ford and the Country Squires, also drumming with some big bands in the area and loved playing Italian music. In his younger years, Joe enjoyed playing soccer and softball and coaching pony baseball and legion ball. Everyone that knew Joe, knew that he had a passion for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish!
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Norma Micheli Reale with whom he celebrated sixty five years of marriage on May 9, 2018; daughter, Janice Trumpie and husband Lon of Bunola; son, Eric Reale and wife Emily of Alpharetta, Georgia; four grandchildren, Melissa, Petie, Ian and Anjolie; sister, Linda Kickasola and husband Lou of Jacksonville, Florida.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Peter Reale who died January 10, 1987; and his twin brother, John who died in infancy.
Friends will be received on Friday, February 8, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM in the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 West Main Street, Monongahela. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM in St. Damien of Molokai Church with the Rev. Patrick Barkey as celebrant. Following the funeral mass in church, services will conclude for the public. The family has requested private committal services and interment at the cemetery. Joe will be laid to rest in the Monongahela Cemetery with military rites accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Frye Funeral Home Inc., 427 W. Main Street, Monongahela, PA 15063 to help defray funeral expenses.