September 28, 1945 - March 24, 2025
Service
Saturday, March 29th at 10:00 a.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, New Albany, Ohio
Our favorite Michael was called home on March 24, 2025, just a short time after receiving his "cancer warrior" title.
Michael was born in Port Huron, Michigan on September 28, 1945 to Ford and Rosemary Rea. He was the second of four children and the only boy. He took full advantage of that status and relished every opportunity to tease and annoy his sisters.
As a young man, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served two back to back tours in Vietnam. He negotiated being home for Christmas in exchange for a second tour, which to him, made that additional tour worth it.
In his post service years he became a pilot and was an avid adventurist. He loved a good skydive, scuba dive, and catching waves with his surfboard.
On October 3, 1975 he married his love of nearly 50 years, Ginger, and traded his love of adventure for his true love of family. He became a master husband, a master father, a master gardener, a master builder, and briefly, a master chicken wrangler. He later became a master grandparent to both grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was a devout man of faith and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found a deep joy and comfort in the scriptures and in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He served in many capacities within the church and touched the hearts and lives of so many with his Christ-like love.
His incredible legacy and memory will be honored through his loved ones still Earth-side. His wife Ginger, his daughters Amelia (Tyler) and Kara (Tom), his son Joe (Christine), his grandchildren Jordan (Paige), Alyssa (Austin), Colin, Olivia and Alaina, and his great grandchildren Camden and Emerson. He will also be honored by his sisters Kathy and Mary as well as his many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Our favorite Michael, we love you, we miss you, God be with you 'til we meet again.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday March 29th, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 5835 Central College Road, New Albany, OH 43054.
Condolences
Lorena (Ruths daughter) - Mar 28, 2025
Sending love for the loss of Michael. Though I was very young I'll never forget the time spent at your beautiful property and the warmth showed to me by Michael and your family. Until you meet again, may the memories keep you warm.