Michael L. Reale

Mr. Michael L. Reale, age 86, of Utica, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of his family. Michael was born in Utica on April 9, 1925, the son of the late John and Louise (Maggolini) Reale. He was raised and educated locally. Mike served his country in the United States Navy. On September 6, 1947 he married the former Sarah R. Sardina with whom he shared a 63-year marriage, supportive of each other and devoted to family life. Mike was employed as a custodian with the Utica City School District, a career which spanned 20 years and displayed his strong work ethic. He enjoyed the simple things in life; camping, boating, woodworking, and playing cards. He was an avid bowler. He had a great sense of humor that made everyone smile. Mike was a member of the American Legion Whitestown Post. He was a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish and at one time, its Holy Name Society. Mike is survived by his wife, Sarah; his children and their spouses, John M., Sr. and Theresa Reale of Utica, Jack R. and Cynthia A. Reale of Sylvan Beach, Francis J. Reale and his wife Susan Rosato Reale of Utica, and Michele and Brendan Dunn of Utica; his grandchildren, John M., Jr. and Jean Reale, Gina and Stephen Surace, Paul Reale and Michele Priess, Erin Reale, and Sara Reale; Jack and Kim Reale, Jeffrey Reale and Caroline Gable, Jill Reale and Andrew Allen, and Joel Reale; Chris and Shannon Rosato, Kate and Mat Perry, Jonathon Dunn and Celeste Amundsen; and his great-grandchildren, Emily Rose and Rachel Surace; Maggie, Jack, and Sarah Reale. In addition, he leaves his sisters, Catherine Giannico, and Isabelle Torraco, both of Yorkville, and Antoinette Sullivan of NM; his brother and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Ruth Reale of Yorkville sister-in-law, Margaret Reale; and a large extended family. . He was predeceased by his brother, Ignazio Reale; and his sisters and brothers-in-law, Cecelia and Dick Gardinier, Angeline and Paul Marfone, and Sam Giannico. In Mike’s memory, please consider a blood donation to the American Red Cross. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The Whitestown American Legion will gather at the funeral home at 6:30 for prayer services. Mike’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Committal prayers and interment will follow graveside at St. Agnes Cemetery.

Michael L. Reale

April 9, 1925 - June 1, 2011