Michael M Rea

Born on 10/11/1941, an only child of Frances Hershey and Mark Rea, his primary years were spent in Darby and Collingdale, PA. He attended Blessed Virgin Mary School, Archbishop Prendergast later Monsignor Bonner High School. He earned a BS from LaSalle University, MS in Physics from Lehigh University, PhD Physics from Temple University.

Michael married his wife Claire Finley (Yager) in 1969 and moved to Bucks County, PA where they raised 4 children. He taught at Girard College in Philadelphia and worked many years for Martin Marietta, Lockheed Martin and L-3 Communications in their defense programs. Although we never quite understood his role as a Systems Engineer, we like to think of him as a rocket scientist.

Some of his favorite memories during this time were with his crew of friends lovingly known as the CHKRODJS with whom he spent many days camping, fishing, hunting, playing basketball, shooting darts, drinking beers, and supporting each other through life’s biggest moments.

Michael married his wife Marita (Marti) Naughton in 2004 and together they spent the last 16 years living at the Jersey shore. He was her home anchor, dictionary and biggest fan. His favorite pastimes were spoiling family and company with conversation, food and drink; cooking for the hungry, singing in the choir, playing chess, enjoying ice cream and the rides on the boardwalk with grandchildren and late-night star gazing with a glass of scotch on his deck.

He will lovingly be remembered as a brilliant dreamer but also an immovable rock with a generous soul. As a scientist and mathematician, he enjoyed thinking about the wonders of the universe, yet had the ability to ground us whenever life became overwhelming. His love and compassion were abundant but came with the expectation that we would learn and grow from our experiences.

His grandchildren think of him as a warm, fun-loving, happy “Grandpop” known for tickling, horsing around, Star Wars, Dunkin Donuts, teaching (chess, math, etc.) and taking time to observe birds, clouds, rocks and stars.

Michael leaves behind his wife Marti, son Michael, daughter Monique (Scott) Koenigsberg, sons Liam and Nathan Rea, stepchildren Christin (Christopher) Cosimano, Brian and Brendan Meter, 7 beloved grandchildren Kaiya, Laela, Adam, Wyatt, Colin, Ryan, Brayden, and his beloved dog Betty.

We know he’s a prayer away, up there driving around in his old red 1966 VW bug, fishing off his canoe, singing passionately with his headphones on, practicing with his tennis ball machine (?), “taking a snooze” and waiting for Betty and the rest of us to join him for the biggest turkey dinner ever😊

In honor of Michael’s memory, please consider a donation to the St. Francis Community Center Food Pantry ( http://stfrancis-centerlbi.org/.family-support/.food-pantry) or your local food bank. As you know, Michael was a foodie. One of his greatest joys was preparing a big meal and enjoying it with loved ones. There are certainly many who are deprived of this blessing. We would love to honor him by sharing meals with others in need.

A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, February 24, 2021 10:30am at St. Mary of the Pines, 100 Bishop Lane Manahawkin.

You are invited to attend Michael Rea’s Memorial Mass.

Please note that you will be asked to enter your name and email to join the webinar.

When: Feb 24, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Topic: Michael Rea Memorial Mass

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83355798468

Or iPhone one-tap :

US: +16699009128,,83355798468# or +12532158782,,83355798468#

Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

US: +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656

Webinar ID: 833 5579 8468

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kxx69QeC2

To leave online condolences and fond memories of Michael for the Rea family, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

The Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ 08050 was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.