Mitchell Lee Rea

Mitchell Lee Rea, 31, of Fombell died unexpectedly Thursday.

Born April 1, 1986, in the North Hills, he was the beloved son of Mitchell S. Rea and Kathleen J. Yeager Hays.

It is impossible to capture in words Mitch's infectious charm and magnetic spirit, which were matched in brilliance only by his incredible culinary skills and superior marksmanship.

Mitch was a genius in the kitchen and served as a sous chef at lauded restaurants in both Georgia and Connecticut. Before that, he led a distinguished military career with the U.S. Army, assigned to 1-23rd 2nd ID Scout Sniper Section. Mitch took part in the historic battle of Haifa Street in the city center of Baghdad, Iraq, assisting in medical evacuation and ultimately saving fellow soldiers' lives. His service to the country is a great source of pride to his entire family.

Mitch was an avid outdoorsman and reader who loved to fish and go camping. His favorite authors included J.K. Rowling and Tom Clancy. His other great passion was his love of music, particularly rock from the '60s and '70s, with the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd among his favorites.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his father, Mitchell S. Rea, and partner Margie Wise; his mother, Kathy J. Yeager Hays, and stepfather, Charles Hays; his sister, Alycia Rea; his brother and sister-in-law, Evan and Cristan Rea; his grandmothers, Loretta Rea and Virginia Yeager; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mitch was preceded in death by his grandfather, George Yeager; his great aunt, Kathleen Forsythe; his great uncle, Karl Schmocker Sr.; and his cousins, Nick Yeager and Matthew Yeager.

REA — The family of Mitchell Lee Rea, who died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017, will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Boylan Funeral Home, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.