Donald J. Reale

Donald J Reale

Raleigh

Donald J Reale passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 22nd, 2014. Don was born December 8, 1924 in New York to the late Joseph and Sylvia Reale. He is survived by his wife of 56 years and love of his life, Gloria J Reale, of the home, his children, Joseph C Reale of Raleigh, William and Stacey (Reale) Miller of Pittsburgh, PA, grandchildren Wm Miles Miller of Santa Monica, CA and Rakela K Miller of UNC-CH. Don was a devoted family man, placing his family and their well being above all else. His warmth, trust, and loyalty to each of them will never be forgotten. Don's desire to learn new things and his ability to be current yet true to his values made him a continuing source of inspiration and unconditional love to his grandchildren Miles and Rakela. His family is heartbroken for their loss, but were graced with Don's desire to pass peacefully at home where he demonstrated dignity and gratitude for a life well lived.

Don proudly served with the US Coast Guard as a Quartermaster aboard LST 262 during WW2, seeing action in North Africa, England, and in France supporting the "D" Day invasion on Normandy Beach. After the war, Don attended Pratt Institute of Engineering in New York earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He joined IBM in 1951 beginning a career which allowed him international assignments in Brazil, Uruguay and Paris, France before moving to Raleigh, NC in the mid 70's. He retired in 1991 from IBM as Liaison Manager for World Trade Manufacturing after a 40 year career. He and his family lived in 13 locations during his career.

Don had a lifelong passion for serving his community. He believed that individuals could make a difference, and he lived a life full of service to causes that were dear to his heart. He served on many board of directors that promoted education and opportunity for the youth of this area. Some of these boards included the original board of The Poe Center, JR Achievement, and the Discovery Center. He was a Vice President of his homeowners association and served as an usher and member of the Vestry at St Timothy's Episcopal Church up until his death.

Don was an avid reader of newspapers and journals. He believed it was every citizen's responsibility to be well informed. Don shared this passion during most of the 90's volunteering to teach a current events class twice a week at Millbrook High School.

Don asked that his heartfelt thanks be noted to the nurses and staff at Rex Hospital, 3rd floor West, particularly, Scott, Eva, and LPN Barbara for their amazing care. Don also wanted to express his deep appreciation to Hospice of Raleigh. He was impressed and grateful for the speed and depth of their resources. It is his request that donations be made to Rex Hospital Cardiology or Hospice of Raleigh in lieu of flowers.

His family will receive friends Tuesday February 25, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd., Raleigh NC 27609. Funeral services will be Wednesday February 26, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church, 4523 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:

www.BrownWynne.com