Charles Reale

Charles Reale of Enfield, known by family and friends as "Chick," in a twist of irony passed away Dec. 7, 2016, the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

He served his country proudly with the U.S. Army during World War II, in the European campaign, having received many medals: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, American Campaign, Europe Africa Middle East Campaign, World War II Victory, Army of Occupation, Army Service, Order of Leopold II, and Belgium War Cross.

He was married over 60 years to his wife, Jean (Panella) Reale, who predeceased him in 2015. They lived in Enfield their entire lives. In his earlier days, he worked for Bigelow Carpets, repairing and maintaining machinery. When the plant closed he went to work in the maintenance department at Hallmark Cards.

Chick enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and tending his garden. He loved traveling and enjoyed Ft. Meyers Beach and West Beach. By trade he was a mason and a carpenter. He was always fixing or building something. He was avid in finding solutions to any home building problems.

He is survived by a daughter, Gail Colby; two grandsons, Jason and Kyle Colby; his brother-in-law, Sam Panella and his wife, Joanne; along with many nieces and nephews.

Per his request there will be no calling hours.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. in St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield. Meet at the church. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Patrick's King Street Cemetery, Enfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

Browne Memorial Funeral Chapels, Enfield, has been entrusted with his arrangements.

To leave an online condolence, or for directions or more info visit

www.brownefuneralchapels.com