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Joel O'Rea Obituary
Dr. Joel Thomas Porter O'Rea, Sr.
Resident of Palo Alto
since 1969
Dr. Joel Thomas Porter O'Rea passed away peacefully on August 20, 2010 at the Palo Alto V. A. Hospital, surrounded by his son, Joel Jr. and close, loving friends. He was born on May 29, 1932 to adoring parents, Flora and Edward O'Rea in Paris, Tenn.
Dr. O'Rea was a prominent Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Palo Alto where he operated a private medical practice for more than 20 years. He delivered hundreds of babies at Stanford and Chope Hospitals and, in addition, was known as a most gentle, caring physician.
A graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. O'Rea's further training included an Internship and Residency at hospitals in Syracuse, New York. After doing a stint in the Army, his earlier training also included a degree in pharmacy from Butler University.
He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and an accomplished skier and tennis player.
Dr. O'Rea was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Edward O'Rea, and his brother Edward, Jr. He is survived by his son, Joel Jr. (Tanya), twin grandchildren, Sara and Jayden; his sister, Constance Dinwiddie, of Indianapolis, an aunt, Janice O'Rea Mosby, an uncle, Harold O'Rea of St. Louis, MO., and a host of nieces and nephews.
To celebrate his life, a memorial service will be held in the courtyard of Tressidor Union, 459 Lagunita Dr. on the campus of Stanford University on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 at 3:00 PM. A meal will be served afterwards.
Friends may call (415) 563-1426 for directions or questions and are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early for the service.
In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made in Dr. O'Rea's name to Meharry Medical College, Gift Management Services, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. Nashville, Tenn, 37208.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel O'Rea
Deborah Taylor
September 7, 2019
Joel will never be forgotten. He made an impact on all of our lives. We look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
What a handsome man and such a resemblance to you Joel, Sr.
August 3, 2011
I only know you through your son, Joel. I am sad to share that I met Joel, Jr. one day before you passed away. He has since shared so much about you with me and I feel connected through him. You raised a wonderful son and, from what he has shared, you two are alike in how you are open to meeting new people and have a heart that is wide open and ready to help others. I love the photo of you with your ski boots on and your poles next to you. It is framed and enlarged to poster size in your office at home. Joel has made your home his by adding special touches. You'd be very proud of him.
Janet
Phill asnd Joyce Aranda
September 24, 2010
Joel was a dear friend. My wife, Joyce, worked for him as a medical assistant. Joyce and I treasure the memoriesm of Joel coming to our condo every Sunday to see the 49ers & Joe Montana play. I always made breakfast just the way he liked it. We went out for dinner on his birthdays and I always asked the waitress to take good care of my "father". Joyce and Joel placed a $1 bet every Sunday on a sporting event. Joyce still has the last $1 she won. To say that we loved him is a huge understatement. We will miss him.
Suzanne Tiendas
September 23, 2010
Dear Joel, God Bless you and your family at this time. You were my mixed doubles partner back in the day...I hope to play tennis with you up there someday...You were good person to me whom I admired and thought dearly of. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers...God Bless You!
September 16, 2010
Charlie and Verna Gill offer our sincere condolences to the O'Rea family. Please know that we are praying for you and can be counted on to continue to intercede on your behalf at this time of grief. Remember God loves you so much He sent His only Son to take the fall for each and every one of us so that we can enjoy life after death with Him! Be Blessed, you are loved!
September 15, 2010
In 1968, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. had a regional conference in Indianapolis. I attended as a delegate from the St. Louis Chapter.
Before I left home my brother,Harold, told me not to come back home without trying to contact my other brother Edward, whom we had never met.My call was warmly received and arrangements were made for me to be picked up at the hotel and taken to his home.When I arrived, all previous feelings of trepidation were erased; we felt that we had known each other forever!
Later that evening, Joel escorted me to the sorority dance. After the dance, Joel took me to meet some of his friends, introducing me as an AKA who was attending the conference. I later learned that most of the young ladies were Deltas. Those who are aware of the friendly rivalry between the two sororities can imagine how I was received. Joel didn't tell anyone that I was his aunt until we were leaving. This is a perfect example of Joel's personality. He was mischievous,easygoing, witty and very smart. He had a keen sense of humor and a sly smile.
When he did his externship at Homer Phillips Hospital in St.Louis my house became hs "home away from home". He would bring his friends for "home cooked" meals or come alone to to get away from the grind.
WE became confidents and telephoned each other weekly. We shared secrets, knowing that they would never be shared with others. This relationship remained close until the end. I will always remember our shared love for each other.
"It is better to have found each other later in life than to never have known each other at all."
maydell simms
September 15, 2010
I will always remember Joel & I as
tennis partners...he was very patient
with my game...an always so delightful...
Maydell Simms
September 15, 2010
Joel, I have only good memories about you, having fun on tennis court in Palo Alto and coming down the slopes in early spring days in Northstar. You're a warm, caring person, and you made people feel at home instantly with a good sense of humor. On tennis court, you never said any harsh words to me even when you were disappointed with my returns. I miss you, Joel.
Rikko Field (Menlo Park, CA)
Diane Evans
September 14, 2010
His Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of him as gone away---
His journey’s just begun,
Life holds so many facets---
This earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
From the sorrows and the tears
In a place of warmth and comfort
Where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
That we could know today
How nothing but our sadness
Can really pass away.
And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he thouched…
For nothing loved is ever lost---
And he was loved so much.
E. Brenneman
How can you lose someone when you know where they are?
To the Family of Dr. Joel, I offer my condolences. I met Dr. Joel around 24 years ago, as he was a college friend of my mother. Over the years as he visited Indianapolis, we would occasionally break bread together and even shared a Thanksgiving Day Dinner as well as much conversation. I am grateful to God that he was able to physically see his grandchildren before he watches over them as an angel.
Deborah Taylor
September 13, 2010
Joel,
I long to see you again and tell you my jokes. You were always so sweet and laughed even though they weren't funny.
Linda Burroughs
September 13, 2010
You were a gracious man with an adventerous spirit, sharp wit and formidable backhand. You will always be remembered as a caring friend who forged his own way. We feel privileged to have known you. May warm memories bring the family comfort during this most difficult time of bereavement. God Bless
Sidney Mar
September 13, 2010
Joel,
Some of the best skiing times I had was going down the double black diamond hills with you and Hiro on the Nisei Ski Club weekend trips. You were always the moderating influence over Hiro and were unfailingly good-natured and gentlemanly. I learned a lot in skiing and dealing with people by watching you in action.
Sidney Mar
Anton Orea
September 13, 2010
You were an incredible person and loving relative and lived your life with majesty...You will FOREVER be in our hearts and our family vacations will not be the same without you...Aunt Janice Orea, cousins Barbara and Cyril Pinder, and cousin Tony Orea
Harold B Orea
September 12, 2010
Love to your extended family,Marcia,Gloria,Anton Julian,Janice Orea Mosby and your uncle Harold B. Orea.
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