John Rea Sr.

Machinist John Rea emigrated from Naples, Italy, and began working at Peluso Machine and Iron Works in Coney Island in 1947.  He bought the business, and operated it until his retirement in 1966. He repaired or worked on nearly every famous ride in Coney Island. He was on call 24 hours a day and could build any part for any ride, an important skill that saved numerous operators who could not afford down time in Coney Island's short season.  In 2016, The Coney Island History Project inducted him into the Coney Island Hall of Fame as one of the “Wizards of West 8th Street," where his shop was located.

John Rea passed away on February 22, 2024 at the age of 99.