Phoenix, AZ - Robert A. Rea, MD, 70, died peacefully after a long illness on Sept. 19 at his home in Phoenix, AZ.

A board-certified ophthalmologist, Dr. Rea devoted his career to restoring and preserving vision for countless patients.

He served the Goshen, Indiana, community for many years in private practice before retiring in 2011 to become the head of ophthalmic surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Phoenix.

Born in Lafayette, Indiana, Dr. Rea attended Jefferson High School, where he was active in instrumental and vocal music and the performing arts.

A gifted musician, he was selected to the Indiana All-State Band, which performed at Clowes Hall in Indianapolis; and he continued his passion for music throughout his life, playing saxophone with professional bands during his academic and medical career.

Upon retirement, he grew his musical talent by self-teaching to play flute, clarinet and electric piano.

He studied at Purdue University and Wabash College, graduating Magna Cum Laude in Biology in 1977. He went on to earn his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1981, completed his transitional internship at Ball Memorial Hospital, and his residency training in ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine in 1985.

Beyond his local practice, Dr. Rea lived out his commitment to service through international medical missions. Partnering with Vision Outreach International and S.E.E. International, he performed sight-restoring surgeries for underserved communities in Paraguay (Piribebuy), El Salvador (Juayúa), and Nicaragua (Rivas), as well as Tanzania and Sierra Leone.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and enduring love of music, which he shared generously with family and friends.

Dr. Rea was an avid cyclist and enjoyed lap swimming and other low impact exercise.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Dr. Rea is survived by his mother, Ruth R. Hester of Crawfordsville; sister, Julie A. King (Sid) of Windsor, IL; brother, Richard M. Rea (Tracy) of Indianapolis; and dear nephews, Lt. Parker M. Rea, MD (Giselle) of San Diego; and Skylar M. Rea of Indianapolis.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard W. Rea.

The family would like to express its deepest appreciation to Denise Cutter, RN, a beloved friend who traveled from Indiana to Phoenix to provide hospice care in Dr. Rea's final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. Rea's memory to The Life Raft Group, Vision Outreach International, or a charity of the donor's choice.