Joel Thomas Porter O'Rea, Sr.

May 29, 1932 - August 20, 2010

A resident of Palo Alto since 1969, Dr. Joel Thomas Porter O’Rea passed away peacefully on August 20, 2010 at the Palo Alto V. A. Hospital, surrounded by his son, Joel Jr. and close, loving friends. He was born on May 29, 1932 to adoring parents, Flora and Edward O’Rea in Paris, Tenn.

Dr. O’Rea was a prominent Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Palo Alto where he operated a private medical practice for more than 20 years. He delivered hundreds of babies at Stanford and Chope Hospitals and, in addition, was known as a most gentle, caring physician.

A graduate of Meharry Medical College, Dr. O’Rea’s further training included an Internship and Residency at hospitals in Syracuse, New York. After doing a stint in the Army, his earlier training also included a degree in pharmacy from Butler University.

He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi and an accomplished skier and tennis player.

Dr. O’Rea was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Edward O’Rea, and his brother Edward, Jr. He is survived by his son, Joel Jr. (Tanya), twin grandchildren, Sara and Jayden; his sister, Constance Dinwiddie, of Indianapolis, an aunt, Janice O’Rea Mosby, an uncle, Harold O’Rea of St. Louis, MO., and a host of nieces and nephews.

To celebrate his life, a memorial service will be held in the courtyard of Tressidor Union, 459 Lagunita Dr. on the campus of Stanford University on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010 at 3:00 PM. A meal will be served afterwards.

Friends may call (415) 563-1426 for directions or questions and are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early for the service.

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting that donations be made in Dr. O’Rea’s name to Meharry Medical College, Gift Management Services, 1005 Dr. D.B. Todd, Jr. Blvd. Nashville, Tenn, 37208.