Margaret J. "Peggy" (Murphey) Reale

UTICA - Margaret J. “Peggy” (Murphey) Reale, age 89, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. At the time of her passing, she was in the hearts of her loved ones. Born in Canton, OH on February 17, 1936, Margaret was the daughter of the late Clarence F. and Mary E. (Coyle) Murphey. As a young girl with her family, Peggy relocated to Rome, NY, where she graduated from the Rome Free Academy with the Class of 1955. Peggy married the love of her life, Ignazio Cosmo “Reo” Reale on July 2, 1955. The couple spent over 46 years together prior to Ignazio’s passing on January 12, 2002. At one time, she held a position with the General Electric Co. at their radio receiver plant on Bleecker St. Prior to her retirement in 1986, she worked in food service for Utica Schools at T.R. Proctor High School and Utica Free Academy. Peggy most enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a great mother with an infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. Peggy felt at home in nature and loved to spend time camping, boating, or fishing in the Thousand Islands. A natural at arts and crafts, she particularly enjoyed woodworking projects with her husband. Over the years, they created many precious family holiday decorations, as well as some of their finest memories. An animal lover, Peggy held a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her late feline companion, Honey. She loved playing cards and enjoyed a good game of Yahtzee with her family, especially her sister-in-law, Kay. At one time Peggy also enjoyed playing pitch at the Whitestown Veterans Club. During her time at The Grand, Peggy enjoyed music, and her time spent listening to Scot Raymond, doing the shimmy shake. She especially loved listening to him sing “Irish Eyes” or “Bicycle Built for Two.” A strong and resilient woman, you would often hear Peggy exclaim, “I’m not in any pain,” even though she was. Peggy is survived by her children and their loves, Mary Plantz (the late Lawrence R. “Hippie” Plantz), Joyce Paciello and Henry “Chico” Colon, Joanne Pettengill and Lomont Mann, and Michael and Phyllis Reale. She cherished the memory of her son, Joseph F. Reale, who passed away on June 14, 2012, leaving behind Peggy’s daughter-in-law, Maryanne Reale. Peggy will be deeply missed by her grandchildren and their loves, Jolene M. Plantz and Gerald White; Nicole and Chris Grems, Andrea and Jack Ortiz, Jessica Paciello, Christopher Bastedo; Jason Pettengill, Brian and Linda Pettengill; Michael Reale and his fiancée Amanda Ortiz, Breann and Bryan Harrington, Tori Lynne Reale; Jordan and Crystal Cornacchia, Ryne and Maria Cornacchia, Joseph and Muzy Reale, and Matthew Reale and Mischa Borowski. She will also live on in the hearts of her 18 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was proud to know that she would be expecting an additional great-great-grandchild this Summer. Peggy treasured in her heart the memory of her great-granddaughter and “angel in heaven,” McKenzie Roberts who preceded her. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, especially John and Terry Reale; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; and in-laws, Catherine Giannico (the late Sam R. Giannico) and Ruth Reale (the late Nicholas J. Reale). She was additionally predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, her late husband’s siblings and their spouses; father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Maria Louise (Maggolini) Reale; and nieces, Kathleen C. Giannico, Janet E. Grass, and Nadine M. Hoffman. Peggy’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Utica, especially Mia, Peter, Dawn, Ashlee, Taylor, Brezzy, and Jamie for their care and compassion. They affectionately referred to Peggy as “Grandma.” In honoring Peggy’s wishes, her family will honor and commemorate her life privately. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Margaret J. "Peggy" (Murphey) Reale

February 17, 1936 - March 7, 2025