Ernest A. Rea. "Ernie", age 82, formally of West Cape May, NJ; Damascus, MD; and recently resided in Gettysburg, PA, died on March 20, 2025, in Gettysburg surrounded by his family. Born in Millville, NJ on January 29th, 1943, he is predeceased by his parents, Leslie Hyatt Rea, and Amy Caroline Rea (Carlson), niece Jennette (Missy) Rea, and recently his brother, Leslie C Rea.

Ernie was a very active child growing up on an ever-changing farm in West Cape May, NJ. The original part of the home that Ernie grew up in was a 1690s era house, where he worked on the 95-acre family farm for almost 5 decades. He was very active in the 4H club for 10 years, along with being a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA). Ernie also joined the Cape Island Masonic Lodge No. 30 F.&A.M. and was a member for 60 years.

Ernie was always on the move throughout high school in these organizations and working on his family farm with his dad Les Sr. and brother Les. Ernie graduated in 1961 from Lower Cape May Regional High School and a few years after school he married his High School Sweetheart Marie Eileen Rea (Uetz) on the 21st of Nov 1964. Their only Son Allan Rea was born on July 12th, 1965.

The family farm was a big part of his life, and he was the man for the job when something broke down. He refined his skills of being a jack of all trades to the farm and was able to repair anything he touched with a little flair. Almost daily, you would see something that Ernie touched and modified “jerry rigged to work”.

Ernie enjoyed being a part of the history of this long-standing heritage of the Rea’s Farm. The farm started in 1922 by his grandfather George Clinton Rea known as “Propeller Dairy” because of an airplane which crashed on the property. The early farm had a cow for milk, pigs for garbage removal, winter meat, chickens / ducks for eggs, and turkeys for holiday meals. Most other food was grown on their land with rabbit and deer supplementing their pantry.

In 1940, lima beans were added to what the farm grew. Initially, 15 acres of lima beans were grown and over the course of 10 years that crop grew into 1,000 acres. By 1950, other farms throughout the county added another 2,000 acres making Cape May County the unofficial “lima bean capitol of the world”. Ernie was active in growing and harvesting lima beans from his birth. In the summer of 1985 Ernie was in a major tractor accident and broke both of his legs. The doctors did not believe he would walk again but with the stubborn Rea gene and perseverance he was able to walk again and get back to work on the farm.

In 1996, the farm lost its lima bean contract, and the farm operation was forced to restructure looking for alternative ways to supplement income without relying on a major cash crop. Many changes happened on the farm, and it was time for a change for Ernie. Shortly after Ernie moved to Damascus, Maryland with his son Allan Mitchel Rea and daughter-in-law Sharon Kay Rea (Greenley) and their two children Paul Rea and Esther Rea.

Ernie could not stop working and soon became a member of the Damascus Volunteer Fire Department, he was active in the fire hall and fundraising for 25 years. Ernie soon found a job at Butlers Orchard in Germantown, MD, where he made himself indispensable doing runs to local farms and providing tractor rides for the visitors. Along with his work, Ernie volunteered at the Harwood house and was very involved in helping his grandkids restore WWII vehicles. His greatest joy was to help his grandchildren work in the shop and teach them about life and many ways to “jerry rig” a repair. One of the things that we had to keep reminding Ernie was that a restoration project did not have to be done in a few hours. The newest milestone for Ernie was when his great grandson, Benjamen (Ben) Thomas Rea, was born. Ernie enjoyed showing Ben the shop and watching him grow and turn wrenches with his family.

Ernie and his family moved to Gettysburg, PA in October of 2020 to be closer to his great grandson. Ernie was always good at meeting others and made long-fast friends with his neighbor Carol Englebert. Throughout the last few years of his life, he brought Carol Englebert and her nephew Danny (Donny) Englebert into the Rea family, and they became inseparable.

Ernie will be missed and forever loved by his family which includes his son, Allan Rea, daughter-in-law Sharon, grandchildren, Paul Rea and wife Anne, Esther Rea and Matt Hewson, great grandson Benjamin Rea, sister-in-law Diane Rea, and niece Carol (Lolly) Rea, former wife Marie Eileen Rea (Uetz) as well as extended family and many dear and lifelong friends.

Family and Friends will gather for his Celebration of life on the following dates:

• 2-May - A celebration of life will take place on Friday May 2nd from 4-8pm at the Gettysburg Fire Department Social Hall 35 North Stratton Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

• 17- May - A celebration of life will take place on Saturday May 17 from 4-7 pm at the Rea’s Farm Market 400 Stevens St, West Cape May, NJ 08204.

Be prepared to share a story about Ernie at either event, it’s a time to laugh, cry, and remember the memories we shared with Ernest Albert Rea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to support your local volunteer fire / rescue department due to the many loving years Ernie spent supporting his local department.

Murphy-Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Inc., of McSherrystown is in charge of arrangements.