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Henry �H.J.� or �Hank� Oreal lived the American Dream. He was born on May 24, 1923 in Philadelphia to Italian immigrant parents. He served in WWII aboard the USS Kwajalein, a naval aircraft carrier, where he received 5 battle stars. After his service, he moved to Florida and in 1956 founded the world-famous Rustic Inn Crabhouse, renowned for its specialty garlic crabs.
His greatest joys in life were delicious food and Italian culture. He frequented the Italian countryside many times, reveling in the sights, sounds, and fare that made him feel most alive. Food was his passion, and he loved to talk about it. He was fascinated by artisanal cuisine and could often be heard telling stories of how traditional �porchetta� or �Italian lardo� are created, or explaining the secret behind why the authentic San Marzano tomatoes are the best tomatoes in the world. An astute business man with a keen sense of flavor, he loved tasting and critiquing food. Anyone who knew him well heard him say more than once, �If it ain�t right, it ain�t right!�
Hank�s fiery spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed. He transitioned peacefully on July 19 at Hospice House in Vero Beach. It was the exact same day he set sail on the USS Kwajalein towards the South Pacific in 1944.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Oreal; son, Gary Oreal; step-children, Patti and Robert Dobbs; 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Private services will be held.
Memorial donations can be made in Hank�s honor to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust at www.dav.org. (Notifications of memorial contributions can be forwarded to Gary Oreal, Jr., c/o The Rustic Inn Crabhouse, 4331 Anglers Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312.)
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