Kenneth Rea, 88

Kenneth Glen Rea of Church Lane in Springs, a World War II veteran of the Navy Seabees who served for 12 years on the executive board of American Legion Post 419 in Amagansett, died on Nov. 25 at Southampton Hospital after a fall in which he suffered a broken hip. He was 88.

Mr. Rea served in the Seabees, the Naval construction battalion, from 1944 to 1946, including time stationed on the Pacific island of Okinawa. He was a devoted member of the American Legion, also serving as co-chairman of its house committee for 15 years. In 2004, he was chosen legionnaire of the year out of a pool of 50 nominees, and received his award at the Suffolk American Legion convention in Southold. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

Mr. Rea owned and operated an excavation business here for many years and later ran a house-watching business. In his later years, he enjoyed making small pieces of furniture, such as end tables, as well.

He sponsored one of the town’s earliest slow-pitch softball teams, the Bonac Bulldozers, and was its pitcher.

He loved being on the water, clamming, fishing, scalloping, or just cruising in his boat, his family said. He was also a dedicated golfer, playing frequently at the Goat Hill course on Shelter Island, a favorite, with friends from the American Legion.

Mr. Rea was born on July 22, 1926, to Frances Rea and the former Helen Mott in an apartment above a garage at what is now the Hedges Inn in East Hampton Village. He attended school in Springs and East Hampton.

On Feb. 1, 1947,  he married the former Marie Frances Lester of Neck Path in Springs. She died before him.

Mr. Rea is survived by two daughters, Sharon Lester and Linda Schellinger of Springs, and a son, Barrie Rea of Wells, Me. His sisters, Carol Lambert and Eleanor Heise, and a brother, James Rea, all of Florida, also survive, as do two grandsons, a great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. A grandson died before him.

A memorial will be held at a date to be announced in June.

Mr. Rea’s family has suggested donations in his memory to the American Legion Post 419, P.O. Box 1343, Amagansett 11930.