Richard Ronald Reale

Richard Ronald Reale, 82, of Lebanon, beloved husband of 47 years of Gwen (Bisson) Reale, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Richard was born in Springfield, MA, son of the late Alphonse J and Doris (LaFortune) Reale, and graduated from Enfield High School. He was employed as a Supervisor with Kaman Aerospace, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Radioman Second Class, serving from 1963 to 1968, and was stationed in Naples, Italy, and Iceland.
Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His bride of 47 years, Gwen, was the love of his life. The love they shared for one another was one of a kind. Anyone would be lucky to be loved by someone the way these two love each other. They were happiest in the home they built together, spending their time gardening, tinkering, and gathering with their family. He will fondly be remembered as the strongest, most determined, fun loving, kindest "gentle giant" to all who knew and loved him. His family was his greatest joy and his children and grandchildren his proudest achievement. Grampa could always be counted on for a bear hug, a shoulder (or shelf) to lean on and a lesson on everything from fixing cars to whittling a stick. He taught his children and grandchildren the value of hard work balanced with enjoying life's little pleasures. He loved camping, cooking, fishing, volunteering at animal shelters and working on cars in his garage; especially building and 4-wheeling in his many Jeep Wranglers!
In addition to the love of his life, Gwen, he is survived by many close family members whom he all loved dearly including his children, Guy Reale and his wife Linda of Ellington, Dori Reale and her partner Roland Marks of East Windsor; his grandchildren, Haley Stramel and her fiancé Carlos Huaman-Dioses, Ryan Stramel and his partner Mary Robichaud, Lucas Reale, Isabella Reale, and Sophia Reale; his sisters, Cheryl Gladden, Dori Jacobs and her husband Jake, Rene' McDuffee and her husband Daryl; his brother and sisters-in-law Linda DiMauro, Lois Bisson and her husband Lou Conrad, Paula Zoito and her husband Al and Joseph Bisson and his wife Michelle, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks and gratitude to Joe for being there with strength and guidance in his final days.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Alphonse Vincent Reale.
His family will receive friends on Thursday, January 8, 4-5 p.m., with a Prayer Service, 5 p.m., at Carmon Funeral Home, 807 Bloomfield Ave., Windsor.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his name to an animal shelter of your choice.