Julia M. Reali

SCHENECTADY – Julia M. Reali, 95, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love and presence of her devoted family. Born in Brooklyn, she was the daughter of the late John and Gertrude Walker Dignon. Julia received her RN from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Amsterdam, NY, and devoted much of her career to caring for newborns in the nursery at St. Clare’s Hospital. Her gentle hands and kind heart brought comfort to countless families during their earliest moments of parenthood. On August 22, 1953, Julia married the love of her life and best friend, David L. Reali. Together, they created a home full of warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion. They were blessed with seven children, whom Julia cherished beyond measure. Her life was deeply centered around her role as a mother—one she embraced with boundless love, patience, and grace. Her children always knew the strength of her support and the depth of her affection. As the family grew, so did Julia’s joy. Her love extended to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Her nurturing spirit, steady encouragement, and unconditional love made her the heart of the family across generations. Julia and David shared a remarkable bond for 58 years, until his passing in 2012, one enriched not only by family life but by their shared passion for the Boston Red Soxs, Celtics and her Tuesday Devotion to St. Anthony. Julia was predeceased by her husband, David L. Reali; infant son, Christopher Reali; sisters, Lillian Ferrara and Norma Jean DeMatteo; and sisters-in-law, Ann Reali and Lillian Pivacek. She is survived by her devoted family, children; David A. (Rochelle Pringle) Reali, Eileen Ottery (Andrew Giaquinto), Amy Stater, Betsy Reali (Randy Ross), Paul (Eleanor) Reali, of Charlotte, NC and Joel (Christine Leuchtenberg) Reali, brother-in-law, Louis (Kathryn) Reali; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The Reali family is grateful to Hospice, especially Laura Davis and to mom’s caregivers, Emma Cerasoli, Rae Hayden, Toni Paniccia and Dennise D’Amelio, for the care, empathy and kindness, to not only to Julia, but to our entire family. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. Dominic Isopo, was held at St. Joseph’s Church, Schenectady. Interment St. Anthony’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Julia’s memory to Jack’s Place- www.jacksplace.org or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital- www.stjude.org.

Julia M. Reali

June 2, 1930 - July 6, 2025