George Rea

George Rea passed away peacefully on 9/27/2024 after a short illness. He was born in Detroit to George and Adele Rea, and grew up in Orchard Lake, MI. He lettered in cross-country track in high school. He attended Lawrence Technical Institute, on a full scholarship, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1959.During his college years he worked at the gas station his dad managed, lived at home, and was active in his Fraternity, Phi Kappa Upsilon. He continued taking classes at night toward an MBA – both at Notre Dame in South Bend, IN and in Detroit. He married Barbara Holth in 1961. They had 2 children, Bob and Marilyn.
His career began in engineering at Bendix Research Labs, then shifted towards sales and marketing in the new "high-tech" computer industry. He excelled at every opportunity, developing relationships with business moguls including Steve Jobs, growing several companies and traveling the world. During his illustrious career, the family relocated several times for new job opportunities and got to experience many new people and places. It seemed that George befriended them all. He was outgoing and caring, and people were drawn to his warmth. George lived in approximately 14 different places as an adult. The family loved New Hampshire and exploring the Boston area. George became an avid Red Sox fan and enjoyed cheering them on for the rest of his life.
George was a great dad and family man. Sundays were family days beginning with church and then moving on to an adventure or family outing that probably involved ice cream. He retired at age 55 and enjoyed 25 years of traveling with Barbara. He loved to golf, and he lived his dream at Monarch Country Club in Palm City FL for almost 30 years. During that time, he also enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors of several companies.
George had a competitive streak. He thrived on being the "commissioner" of his Fantasy Baseball league and managing his Fantasy Football team "Tough Guys". He was hard to beat as he made it his job to succeed. Family members and friends enjoyed competing with him and staying in touch in this way.
In 2022 he moved to Sandhill Cove Senior Living Community. He loved his lifestyle there and participated in everything. He particularly enjoyed the putting contest, Wii Bowling (earning a National Championship with his teammates!), and sharing meals with friends. He was a friend to all, with a kind smile and positive outlook on life. He was strong in his Christian faith and was a member of Palm City Presbyterian Church for 30+ years.
He was pre-deceased in 2020 by his wife of nearly 60 years Barbara Holth Rea, and in 2022 by his sister Nancy Rea Jones (William).
He leaves behind a son, Robert Rea (Lynda Bernier), a daughter Marilyn Mariano (Tom), 4 grandchildren, Robert Rea Jr. (Rachel), James Mariano (Megan), Austin Mariano (Alyssa), Emily Mariano (Cole Greer), a great grand-daughter Quinn Mariano, his dear friend and "significant other" Justine Angland, brother-in-law Carl Holth (Molly), niece Margery Holth Bartoszek (Dave), nephew Bruce Jones (Margo), and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at Palm City Presbyterian Church November 2 at 11 a.m. Donations can be made in his honor to the Sandhill Cove Foundation Scholarship Fund. https://www.sandhillcove.com/foundation/