Philip Lewis Rea

Philip (Phil) Lewis Rea, Jr. passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, October 10, 2015 in Prescott, Ariz.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Monday, October 19th at 11 am at the Prescott United Methodist Church, 505 West Gurley St, Prescott, AZ. There will also be a military honors ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Prescott National Cemetery.

Phil was born in Marietta, Ohio on November 17, 1926 to Philip and Julia Velma Wells Rea. Growing up, he spent time in both Columbus, OH and the Shelburne Falls, MA area. He graduated from North High School in Columbus in 1944 and enlisted in the Army in 1945. Phil served in the Philippines in the Signal Corps. He continued with the Army Reserves, retiring as a Major.

Phil graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business in 1950. He started his career of almost 40 years with Merrill Lynch in Columbus, and it was there in 1951 that he met his wife, Barbara Lee. They were married in 1954 until Barbara’s passing in 2001. In 1967, the Rea family left Ohio and moved to New Jersey after a job transfer to Merrill Lynch headquarters in New York City. Phil also worked for the FDIC, based in New Jersey, before retiring. Phil and Barbara retired to Prescott in 1994.

Phil was always volunteering his time and talents to multiple organizations. He donated hundreds of hours to his daughters’ activities. He served as President, Trustee, and Treasurer for churches and other organizations. He enjoyed spending time with his family, including annual camping trips all over the United States and Canada. Phil was also an avid Ohio State Buckeye fan, and adopted the Diamondbacks and Suns teams as well. Phil is missed by his cats Bonnie and Jynx.

Phil is survived by daughters Sarah Rea of Mesa and Amy Rea of Prescott.

Phil will be remembered for his sharp wit, intelligence, and giving nature. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his memory to either the Yavapai Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association, 3111 Clearwater Drive, Prescott, AZ 86305.