John F. "Jack" Rea

John F. "Jack" Rea

AGE: 87 • Wall

John F. "Jack" Rea, 87, of Wall, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017.

Jack was born in Perth Amboy and raised in South Amboy. He graduated from St. Mary's High School where he met Ann Joyce, who would become his wife. They moved to Wall in 1964. Jack served in the US Navy during the Korean War and went onto a successful career at DuPont Photo Products, Parlin, from which he retired as a Process Engineering Supervisor in 1985. He was a founding member of the Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, and also served as Parade Publicist for many years. He was honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Parade in 1998. Jack was also President of the Jerry Lynch Association and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. Thomas U. Reilly Council 5611, as well as the Jersey Shore Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh.

Jack was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ann, in 2014, as well as by his parents James J. and Agnes (nee Kerr) Rae, and his brother, James Rea Jr. He is survived by his nephews and nieces, Jill Rea of Wall, James J. Rea III of Brick, Sheila Rea Garrett of England, and Michael J. Rea of Apex, NC. He is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews, including Emma, Celia, and Ava of Wall.

Visitation will take place at O'Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy. 35, Wall, on Thursday, October 19, 2017, from 2-4 and 7-9PM. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Avon on Friday at 10:30AM, followed by burial at St. Anne's Cemetery, Wall. To order flowers or leave condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com