William Rea (1912–2006) was an American real estate magnate and civic leader in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006."Area Uplift Urged on City." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 27, 1973, p. 8."Budgets Nearly Equal City-County Outlay: Colleges Here Spend $190 Million." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Press, April 28, 1971, p. 33.
A key collaborator with H. J. Heinz II in the creation of Pittsburgh's Cultural District, he also served in a leadership capacity on the boards of directors of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, Pittsburgh Public Schools, the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University and the Heinz Endowments.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006. "Heinz Trust set up," in "Metro Briefs." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Press, May 10, 1984, p. B-1.
Formative years Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1912, Rea was a son of James Childs Rea, the general manager of the Oliver Iron & Steel Company, and Julia Dodge Rea.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006."Julia Rea to Wed J. E. Diamond," in "Summer Engagements." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, July 24, 1976, p. 5.
He grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, attended the Wightman School and the Shady Side Academy, before pursuing history studies at, and then graduating from, Princeton University.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
According to his obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, he subsequently "served in the Navy from 1942 to 1945, and was a radar officer on the battleship USS Idaho when Japan signed the surrender on the nearby USS Missouri."Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
Career Rea began his career as an English teacher at the American University of Beirut, then took on management roles at Edgewater Steel Company and W. R. Grace and Company. He entered into his real estate development career with the Henry W. Oliver Estate.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
Rea also collaborated with H. J. Heinz II in establishing Pittsburgh's Cultural District. A member of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, he also served on the boards of directors of the Pittsburgh Public Schools,"William Rea Quits Position On School Board." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, January 30, 1970, Second Section, p. 1. the University of Pittsburgh,Moushey, Bill. "Reforms start at Pitt." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 14, 1991, pp. 1 and 3.Carpenter, Mackenzie. "Helped set Posvar package, former Pitt head trustee says." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 8, 1991, p. 4. Princeton University, and the Heinz Endowments.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.Rosensweet, Alvin. "Penn-Liberty project unveiled." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, November 19, 1983, pp. 1 and 4.
During his later years, Rea lived in Stahlstown, Pennsylvania. Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
Death Predeceased by his wife, Ingrid (Shellabarger) Rea, in 2003,Abels, Caroline. "Founding member of Cultural Trust, champion of Powdermill Nature Reserve," in "News Obituaries." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 26, 2093, p. D-3.Rea, Ingrid Shellabarger, in "Local News." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 28, 2003, p. B-8. Rea suffered a heart attack while visiting Washington, D.C. and died there on May 15, 2006.Sally Kalson (2006). Obituary: William Rea, civic leader and one of the Cultural District's creators, dies at 94. Retrieved May 24, 2006.
Honors In 1974, Rea was the recipient of the distinguished service award from Phelps Dodge Industries."Phelps Dodge salutes Pittsburgh." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Press, September 24, 1974, p.22.
In 1998, Rea was presented with the Community Service Human Rights Award by the American Jewish Committee."Scribbles." Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 8, 1998, p. B-2.
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