Clara Rosary Fanelli (nee Briguglio) formerly from Haledon, NJ, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2020 at Allendale Nursing Home, at the age of 89. She was a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. She was predeceased by her parents; Margaret (Barca) Briguglio and Joseph Briguglio, brothers; Carmine “Sonny” Briguglio and his wife Agatha, Rocco Briguglio and his wife Terry, sisters; Carmela Castellucci and her husband Frank, Isabelle Romano and her husband Joseph, brothers-in-law; Allen Oertell and John Schaeffler. She is survived by her sisters Agatha Schaeffler and Johanna Oertell,19 nieces, nephews and their spouses, as well as many great and great great nieces and nephews.
Faith in God and love of her family was Clara’s life. The second to youngest of seven children, she was born and raised in Union City, NJ. Clara was known as “Aunt Clara” to everyone she met. She had an infectious smile and a delightful laugh. Aunt Clara graduated from Emerson High School, Union City and later attended William Paterson University where she graduated with a degree in Education. She spent her professional career as a bookkeeper, retiring from Hose McCann Communications in 1997. Aunt Clara loved her family with pure dedication and joy. She took great pride in her Italian heritage. She was a gracious and wonderful hostess to all who came to visit, cooking everything from antipasto to pasta and meatballs with always a cannoli for dessert. She was an original “bobby soxer” and was able to see her favorite singer, Frank Sinatra, in concert several times. Aunt Clara loved to dance and would dance circles around her many nieces and nephews. Throughout her illness, she never lost her dry sense of humor or beautiful smile. We remember Aunt Clara’s love, warmth, and generosity. She will be greatly missed.
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