Chris Rea

Rea in 2010, photo by Prphotos.com

Birth Name: Christopher Anton Rea

Date of Birth: 4 March, 1951

Place of Birth: Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, England, U.K.

Date of Death: 22 December, 2025

Ethnicity: English, one quarter Italian, Irish

Chris Rea was a British rock and blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He sold about 30 million albums worldwide.

He was the son of Winifred and Camillo “Camy” Rea, who owned an ice cream factory. He was married to Joan Lesley, until his death, with whom he had two children.

Chris’s paternal grandfather was named Camillo Rea. Camillo was born in Arpino, Province of Frosinone, Lazio, Italy.

Chris’s paternal grandmother was named Mary Quinn. Mary likely had Irish ancestry.

Chris’s maternal grandfather was George Slee (the son of George Slee and Elizabeth Raine). Chris’s grandfather George was born in Durham, England. Chris’s great-grandfather George was the son of John Slee and Elizabeth Simpson.

Chris’s maternal grandmother was Kate Ethel Jordan (the daughter of Matthew Jordan and Catherine Wilson). Kate was born in Durham, England. Matthew was the son of John Jordan and Mary Young. Catherine the daughter of Ralph Musgrave Wilson and Ann Elliot.

Sources: Marriage record of Chris’s parents – https://familysearch.org

Article about Chris’s father – http://www.gazettelive.co.uk

Marriage record of Chris’s paternal grandfather, Camillo Rea – https://familysearch.org

Records of Chris’s paternal grandfather, Camillo Rea – https://familysearch.org
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