Edward Francis Reass III

Edward Francis Reass III (Sonny), 63, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 5, 2014 at his home in Raleigh, NC. Born January 25, 1951 in Homestead, PA, Sonny was the son of the late Edward Francis Reass Jr. and Elizabeth (Betty) Martha (Petro) Reass.

A Pittsburgh native, Sonny graduated from Homestead High School in 1968 where he was a well-known athlete on the varsity basketball team. He later graduated from Penn State University in 1972 where he spent many happy years with lifelong friends and began his long lasting love of Penn State Football and the deep rooted traditions that built the program and the school. His career included working for the FBI in Washington, DC, as well as a long career with Hammermill Paper in Erie, PA and Atlanta, GA. He retired from International Paper while living in Raleigh, NC.

He was loved beyond measure. Sonny is survived by his wife of 30 years, Diane Bennett-Reass, his daughter Emily Reass and son Evan Reass of Raleigh, NC as well as his sister Linda Mattiko and his nephew Matthew Mattiko and family in Munhall, PA.

Sonny enjoyed his passion of sports with his children, their education and activities. He shared his love of vacations at the ocean and treasured the company of his entire family and his many good friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loyal friend and for his heart of gold.

Private services will be held at a later date to celebrate his life.