Claire D. Leone

Claire D. Leone, 84, of Scarsdale, NY and Boynton Beach, FL passed away peacefully at home in Florida surrounded by family. Claire was born on October 19th, 1939 to Louis and Claire Trifari of New Rochelle, NY. An avid athlete, Claire played lacrosse and field hockey at Pelham High School. She was also crowned Miss Westchester.

At the age of 18 she married her High School sweetheart, Lew, and they settled in the town of Eastchester, NY where they welcomed four of their five children. Always active in her children’s lives, Claire was famous for hand crafted Halloween costumes and fabulously knitted ski sweaters and hats. The family moved to Scarsdale in 1970 where they welcomed their 5th child. Claire was an early influencer and entrepreneur. She had a brand deal with Tupperware and hosted parties across Westchester County. She also worked as a model in high end retail stores. She acquired her real estate license and embarked on a stellar professional career. She founded Claire D. Leone Real Estate in Eastchester, NY, which is still in operation and now owned and run by her son, daughter and daughter-in-law. As a local business owner, Claire was known for her support of the community as well as her impeccable integrity. She also served as President of the Women's Council of Realtors of Westchester.

A common sentiment from friends of Claire’s children can be summed up in this recent quote: “Your mom was such a powerhouse who was a great example for all of us—especially on how to gracefully balance her many hats of wife, mother and business woman. She was really a trendsetter!” Claire loved participating in sports of all kinds. She was an excellent tennis and paddle tennis player, she enjoyed skiing and ice skating, but her passion was for golf. She occasionally refereed youth sports and never missed her children’s games.

Claire loved kayaking the Long Island sound and enjoyed membership at New Rochelle Shore Club, Larchmont Shore Club and Coveleigh Club in Rye, NY. Grandma to 13 boys and 4 girls was where Claire truly shone. As a host for holidays, most notably Christmas with an elaborate menu topped off with her sumptuous Biscuit Tortoni, she created an incredible loving and nurturing environment for her grandchildren. She attended as many games and events as possible and cheered every minute.

Claire’s greatest love was her husband of 65 years, Lew. The loving couple have rarely, if ever, been separated. They enjoyed years of endless devotion as a team; overcoming extremely humble beginnings to live out the American dream. Devout Catholics who worshiped at IHM in Scarsdale, they cherished their dedication to the church and continually performed hours of service of volunteer work. Claire was comfortable driving the Habitat for Humanity truck, delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering at Blythedale Hospital and spending hours at the Women’s Exchange. Claire and Lew also opened their hearts and home as Fresh Air Fund hosts.

Claire and Lew loved to socialize and were the life of the party. If there was an event, the couple would give it their all. From a costume party to a neighborhood block party, they were all in with a competitive but compassionate spirit. As avid chefs, Claire and Lew, along with friends, formed a Gourmet Dinner Group which moved from house to house each month.

Claire maintained a magnificent sense of humor, which was sometimes a bit devilish, but always with angelic intent. She loved a good April Fool’s joke and her kids never saw it coming.

Claire was predeceased by her mother in 1954 and her father in 1997. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lew, who was her rockstar caregiver for the last 5 years, her sister Anne McFadden of New York City, and brother Arthur Trifari of Montauk, NY. Her 5 children - Lewis (Wendy) of New York City, Douglas of Scarsdale, NY, Christine Paskalides (John) of Tuckahoe, NY, Todd (Gail) of Scarsdale, NY and Leigh Ann Boscarino (Brett) of Naperville, IL. Her 17 Grandchildren - Lewis and Brian Leone, Olivia and Chiara Leone, John, Matt (Ella), Joey and Nicole Paskalides, Todd (Melissa), Kimmy, Tim (Katie), Jeff and Nick Leone, Jake, Dan, Tommy and Scott Boscarino. Her 4 great grandchildren - Luke, Sienna, Madison and Emilia.

A visitation for Claire will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Homes, 824 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, New York 10583. A Funeral Mass will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8 Carman Rd, Scarsdale, New York 10583. In lieu of flowers donations to Blythedale Children’s Hospital Valhalla New York. www.blythedale.org