Clara Teresa Dente

Clara (Nicola) Dente, born August 1st, 1921, in Pennsylvania to Savino and Annunziatta Fiorentino, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024 at the amazing age of 102. She was living with her son James Dente and his family for the last 7 years in Longmont, Colorado. Clara is predeceased by her husband, Anthony C. Dente, siblings Mike, John, James, and Dora.

With her passing, an era ends. Her life spanned one pandemic to the next; she bore witness to prohibition, flapper dresses, the Great Depression, WWII, segregation, the infamous 'I Have a Dream' speech, the assassination of JFK, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, & 9/11. Technology boomed as we explored space, discovered nuclear technology & developed AI. She was the embodiment of American history, although she spoke fondly of 'the good old days' when life was much simpler.

She met her husband Tony while on holiday at Glen Island beach, to whom she was married for 57 years. Clara was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and was adored by all who knew her. She worked at a garment factory for several years prior to her sons being born and at the ticket counter of the local high school as they grew older. She never learned how to drive as there was ample public transportation in and around the New York area, but she would have you know that it was due to her good looks and the fact that she could score a ride whenever she needed to.

She loved to tell the story of how she met Albert Einstein one day when he came to visit her elementary school. She recalls him sitting on a bench watching the children play during recess. The memory of his eccentric hair and white suit is something she held dear for the better part of a century.

Most people were shocked to learn she was 102, as she didn't look a day past 80- not to mention she didn't take any form of medication. She is survived by her sons Anthony & Jim, and five grandchildren: Christopher, Megan, Colette, Michael & Amy who will miss her dearly.

Please visit www.howemortuary.com for service information and to share condolences with the Dente family.