Obituary of Ernest F. Reale

Ernest F. Reale of South Glastonbury, CT passed away peacefully, at home on Friday February 17, 2023.  Born June 9, 1926 in Hartford, CT, son of the late Frank and Germaine (Vendrillo) Reale.  Ernest was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Eleanor (Ferrari) Reale.  A Resident of S. Glastonbury since 1956, Ernest led a full and active life as a Husband, Father, and Grandfather.  Ernest held a professional position in the insurance industry for over 40 years until retirement in 1990. He graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1944 and shortly after, was drafted into the Army during WWII, serving in France and Germany with the 99^th division.  Upon discharge, in August of 1946, Ernest went to work for a year, and then in 1947 attended Providence College, graduating in 1951.  Ernest and Eleanor met at work and married on April 26, 1952. Ernest was involved with local cub scouts and boy scouts while his sons were members.  He was also instrumental in the formation of Glastonbury Youth Hockey in the early 1970’s when his sons played.   Ernest was active in St. Augustine Church in S. Glastonbury, as a lector, choir member, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council for many years.  In 2006 he was awarded the St Joseph Medal of Appreciation from Archbishop Mansell for his work with the church. He and Eleanor were long-time volunteers at the S. Glastonbury Public Library, including serving as President, Historian, and serving on the board until recently.   Ernest also served on the Commission of Aging in Glastonbury, as well as, delivering Meals on Wheels. Ernest and Eleanor traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad during their retirement years.  Ernest was a devoted grandfather, who enjoyed attending the grandchildren’s various activities, but he was happiest hosting family get-togethers, with Eleanor at their home.  Ernest is survived by three sons and their wives.  Lawrence and Joan Reale of Norfolk, MA,  Christopher Reale of Windsor, CT, and  Andrew and Pamela Reale of S. Glastonbury, CT.  A brother-in-law, Richard Ferrari and his wife Joyce of S. Glastonbury, CT.  He also leaves eight grandchildren Lindsey Reale and her husband Allen Senechal, David Reale and his wife Brigette, Natalie Reale and her fiancé Willy Lippincott, Emily Reale, Daniel Reale, Peter Reale, Mark Reale and Joseph Reale, and great granddaughter Mila Reale, and several nieces and nephews.  Ernest was predeceased by his siblings Edward and Richard Reale and Alice Shary, and his daughter-in-law Mary Reale.  A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 22^nd at 10:00 a.m. in Ss Isidore and Maria Parish at St. Augustine Church on Hopewell Rd, S. Glastonbury followed by  burial with military honors in St. Augustine’s Cemetery. Friends may call at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury, CT. on Tuesday February 21 from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to S. Glastonbury Public Library located at 80 High St S. Glastonbury, CT 06073, or Glastonbury Community Center, located at 300 Welles St Glastonbury, CT 06033, or Ss Isidore and Maria Parish (St. Augustine Church) 2577 Main St Glastonbury, CT 06033. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.