Claire M. Colosimo

Claire M. Colosimo, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. She was born in Utica on March 23, 1934, daughter of the late Angelo R. “Angie” Colosimo and the late Isabella L. (Fanelli) Colosimo. She graduated from Proctor High School in 1952. Claire later pursued her college education earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish at Utica College. She continued her studies at Syracuse University and at Middlebury College in Vermont, where she obtained her Master of Arts Degree in Spanish. At Utica College and at Middlebury College she also studied Italian. Claire taught Spanish and Italian at Utica Free Academy for 25 years, retiring in 1989. She was also an adjunct faculty member at MVCC for several years. She spoke often of her students and colleagues, always remembering them fondly. Claire was of the Roman Catholic faith. She was a life member of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, the N.Y. State Association of Retired Teachers, a member of the Retired Utica Teachers Association, and the Oneida County Retired Teachers Association. She was a past member of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese and also of the American Association of Teachers of Italian. Her leisure pursuits included reading, knitting, and gathering for lunch with her fellow classmates from Proctor. She is survived by her brother Felix and her sister Marie; her cousins, Sophia Rugare Rood of Maplewood NJ, Carl and Patricia Paratore of Frankfort NY, Sal and Rosann Paratore of Reston VA, and their families. She will also be remembered by her cousins, especially acknowledging Kathleen Hobaica; and her caring neighbors, Bill and Mary Sue Eisenman, Denise DiGiorgio, Patricia Guarnieri, Charlie Hickel, and longtime family friends Bernadette and Jim Peters. She was predeceased by her aunts and uncles, Lucy and Carl Paratore, Victoria and Dominick Fanelli, and Margaret and Joseph Rugare; and her cousins, Rosemary Paratore, and Nicolyn Paratore. The family is grateful to Dr. Sudershan Dang and his staff, especially Barb and Theresa; Dr. Atul Butala and staff, Dr. Domenic Aiello, Dr. Michael Kelberman, and Dr. Nalin Sinha for their medical expertise; D & T Transport, especially Anthony, and the Utica Fire Department and EMTs for their kindness and prompt response; the personnel of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., and the Siegenthaler Center for the compassionate care offered to Claire and her family. The family will be eternally grateful to all of their friends who have been so loving throughout her lifetime. Visitation will be held Friday afternoon from 2:00-4:00, Friday evening from 6:00-8:00, and Saturday morning from 11:00-12:00 noon at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Claire’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 12:00 noon at the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Claire M. Colosimo

March 23, 1934 - May 11, 2016