Obituaries
Serving Our Community Since 1951
Obituary for Benedetto M. Rea
Benedetto M. Rea, age 83, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of 33 years to Mildred (Andrews) Rea passed away Friday, March 31, 2017 in St. Vincent's Medical Center, Bridgeport. Mr. Rea was born August 17, 1933 in Bridgeport, youngest of seven children, of the late Dominic and Josephine (Fanone) Rea and had been a lifetime time Bridgeport resident.
Benny was a singer and musician throughout the Greater Bridgeport area for most of his life. His musical career began at the young age of 9, and by 16, he was known as 'Little Louie Prima'. He met and sang with Louie Prima in the late forties at the Pleasure Beach Ballroom. When someone is born with this talent at such an early age, it's a God given gift.
Benny had a great work ethic. He worked by day and entertained at night. He was employed by the City of Bridgeport Public Works for 25 years. They honored him with the 'Keys to the City' in 2007.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his adored daughter, Adrienne Rea Moore; his grandchildren and the apples of his eye, his namesake, Benedetto Petrocelli, Christian Petrocelli, Jazzmin Moore and John McElroy. He is also survived by a step-son, Joseph Andrews and many nieces and nephews who knew him affectionately as "Uncle Gig".
He was predeceased by his oldest daughter Cynthia Ortiz, his granddaughter Carleen McElroy and his siblings, Angelina Paul, Patsy Rea, Anthony Rea, Betty Peluso, Alice Rea, and Alfred Rea.
His family meant everything to him. He will live in our hearts forever and be sadly missed.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Birendra Soreng on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by meeting directly in St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Ln, Stratford. Interment will be private. Friends  may visit with the family before Mass time from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614.
For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.
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Benny was a singer and musician throughout the Greater Bridgeport area for most of his life. His musical career began at the young age of 9, and by 16, he was known as 'Little Louie Prima'. He met and sang with Louie Prima in the late forties at the Pleasure Beach Ballroom. When someone is born with this talent at such an early age, it's a God given gift.
Benny had a great work ethic. He worked by day and entertained at night. He was employed by the City of Bridgeport Public Works for 25 years. They honored him with the 'Keys to the City' in 2007.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include his adored daughter, Adrienne Rea Moore; his grandchildren and the apples of his eye, his namesake, Benedetto Petrocelli, Christian Petrocelli, Jazzmin Moore and John McElroy. He is also survived by a step-son, Joseph Andrews and many nieces and nephews who knew him affectionately as "Uncle Gig".
He was predeceased by his oldest daughter Cynthia Ortiz, his granddaughter Carleen McElroy and his siblings, Angelina Paul, Patsy Rea, Anthony Rea, Betty Peluso, Alice Rea, and Alfred Rea.
His family meant everything to him. He will live in our hearts forever and be sadly missed.
Friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Birendra Soreng on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by meeting directly in St. Mark Church, 500 Wigwam Ln, Stratford. Interment will be private. Friends  may visit with the family before Mass time from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Mark's Church, 500 Wigwam Lane, Stratford, CT 06614.
For additional information or to share a message of condolence, visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.
To plant a tree in memory of Benedetto M. Rea, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Tuesday
4
Apr
9:30 AM
- 10:00 AM
Saint Mark Church,
500 Wigwam Lane
Stratford, CT 06614
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday
4
Apr
10:00 AM
Saint Mark Church,
500 Wigwam Lane
Stratford, CT 06614
Memorial Contribution
"St Mark's Church Building Fund"
500 Wigwam Lane
Stratford, CT 06614
Stratford, CT 06614
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