He served in the United States Navy during World War II, from 1941 to 1946, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander.

Rea served in private practice, in Los Angeles from 1950 to 1964, then in Santa Ana, California from 1964 to 1968.

In 1968, he became a Judge of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California, a position he held until 1984.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on June 15, 1984, and received his commission the same day.

Rea served in that capacity until his death, in Santa Monica, California, on August 3, 2005.