Clara Rose Cucchiara

She died peacefully in her home in Bonita Springs, FL. Clara was the middle child of three sisters born to Vito Rondinelli and Jennie Cortese Rondinelli on March 10, 1925, in Rome, New York. She was predeceased by her older sister, Josephine (Cassella), and her younger sister, Helen (Geno). The sisters lost their mother, Jennie, when they were seven, nine, and 11 years old, so their bond was especially strong. They often shared stories of how, as children, they worked on local farms, picking vegetables, to help supplement the family income.

In 1944, Clara married her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life, Donald F. Marullo (deceased). Later in life, she found love again and married Rocco Cucchiara (also deceased). Clara worked at Griffis Air Force Base in Rome, NY, later at the Rome Developmental Center, and finally as an Administrative Assistant at the Utica Diet Center. She was an avid lover of music, a passion she passed along to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also a skilled seamstress, creating beautiful clothing for many friends and relatives. With her second husband, Rocco, she was thrilled to travel to her ancestral homeland of Italy, a trip she often referred to as one of the highlights of her life.

Clara is survived by her devoted daughter, JoAnn Blake, and her loving son-in-law, Donald Blake, both of whom cared for and watched over her since she made Florida her home 13 years ago. She is also survived by her first beloved son-in-law, Frederick Stellato Sr., who still referred to her as "Ma" and demonstrated his love for her always. She adored her grandsons, Fred Stellato Jr., whom she helped raise, and Christopher Blake, whom she loved very much. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Abraham Stellato, Victor Stellato, and Isabel Rose Stellato, who carries her great-grandmother's middle name. They all knew her as Nani. Clara also loved and cherished her granddaughter, Kirsten Stellato, with whom she kept in close contact. Additionally, she is survived by nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends too numerous to mention, all of whom she deeply loved.

Clara was four years old when the Great Depression hit. As a result, she grew up clipping coupons and shopping sales, a custom she continued to observe as a proud member of the Greatest Generation. She was beyond generous with those she loved, often caring for them when they were unable to care for themselves. Her legacy is one of love and sacrifice, centered on her beloved family and her Lord. Clara prayed for those she loved devoutly, and we felt those prayers coming our way. She would have encouraged each of us to pray for one another, as we are united now in our great sense of loss. She will be missed.

In memory of Clara Rose Cucchiara, memorial contributions in her name to the charity of your choice would be deeply appreciated by the family.

A celebration of life service is being planned for March 2025. Details will be provided as they become available.