Claire C. Simmons

She was born on February 3, 1931 in Staten Island, NY to the late John and MaryEllen Teehan.

Claire is predeceased by her loving husband of over 50 years Calvin in 2009, her two brothers John (Jack) who was her twin and James (Buddy), five sisters Lillian, Helen, Marion(Jay), Florence, and Rita.

She is survived by her three children MaryEllen and her husband Ron Principe, Kathleen Mrozinski, Patricia and her husband John Melillo, 6 grandchildren Paul and wife Veronica Mrozinski, Lori and husband William Shea, Robert Mrozinski and Mary Burbach, Ronald Principe Jr. and his wife Tessa Principe, Jaclyn Melillo, and John Melillo, as well as 5 great grandchildren Eric and Tyler Mrozinski, Hunter Shea and R. Thomas Principe III and Lucia Principe as well many nieces and nephews.

Claire was very family oriented, when her grandchildren were younger both Claire and her husband Calvin found time to make it to everyone of their grandchildren's sporting events sometimes going to multiple in a day. She enjoyed traveling with family, her many trips in her motorhome in her younger years and later on her trips to Atlantic City, NJ. She was a animal lover who had countless dogs over her lifetime. Most important to her was spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Some of her special memories with her grandchildren were her and Paul going to church together and joking that she was "St. Claire". They also traveled to Washington DC together and saw Mother Angelica at the shrine of Immaculate conception and would talk on the phone till 1 in the morning. Grandma and Bob celebrated their birthday together for 41 years. She always loved his homemade chocolate chip cookies and he made them for her every visit. Gram loved her late night girl talks and sleepovers with her granddaughter Jaclyn. She always told Jaclyn that she had angels in her eyes when she was born and now Gram is her angel. Claire loved that her grandson Johnny would always compliment her when she would get her hair done. She thought that was the sweetest thing. Grandma was proud of her granddaughter Lori going away to college and would always take spontaneous trips with her husband down to North Carolina to see her. She was always proud of her grandson Ron for going into funeral service somewhat following in his grandfather's footsteps as Cal dug graves as a kid. She would tell everyone he was so kind and had a heart of gold. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit the McCracken Funeral Home on Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held occur at the Holy Family Church, 366 Watchogue Rd., Staten Island, NY on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 12:00 PM followed by interment at St. Peter's Cemetery, 52 Tyler Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the Simmons family.