William Bernard Rea, Sr., of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully in the home of his niece, Kathleen Rea Heiser, and her husband, Brent Heiser, surrounded by his loving family on December 20, 2011. He was the son of the late Thomas Edward Rea, Sr. and Susan Carter Rea. Mr. Rea graduated from The Citadel in 1942 and served as an officer in the U. S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was the former owner and President of American Storage and Warehouse Co. which operated in Charlotte from 1908 through 2003. He was a lifelong member of St Patrick’s Parish, and as a devoted Catholic, was involved in many charitable activities. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Caroline Conlon Rea. He was also pre-deceased by two brothers, Thomas E. Rea, Jr. and H. Carter Rea, four sisters, Anna Regina Rea, Mildred Rea, Margaret Rea Kosko, and Evelyn Rea Lyons, and a grandson, William Bernard Rea, III. He is survived by his son, William Bernard Rea, Jr. (Barbara) and by daughters, Carole Rea Koster, Rosemary Rea Deans (BC), Judith Rea Wagner, and Suzanne Rea Hodge (Danny). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at Hankins & Whittington, on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, followed by a Rosary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Cathedral of Saint Patrick on December 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn West Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to The Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte, NC 28203. Tags: 1942
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