Rita J. (Clocker) Fiore

UTICA – Rita J. (Clocker) Fiore, age 97, reunited in Heaven with her dear husband Samuel on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Her children were grateful to have been by her side during her final days. Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, on August 5, 1926, Rita was the daughter of the late Edward and Anna (Olerta) Clocker. She was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Rita later relocated to Baltimore, MD, and found gainful employment at a camouflage netting factory. There, she made nets that were utilized by the military to hide equipment, vehicles, and troops. Specifically, the materials she helped manufacture provided protection to the soldiers fighting in World War II. Rita held close in her heart the memory of her brother Edward Clocker, Jr., who was killed in action defending our country during the War. In addition to the history of her time in Baltimore, she became a union secretary, and it was there that she met union representative Samuel J. Fiore. Together, they created a union built on trust, love, and independence on December 8, 1947, at St. Ignatius Church in Baltimore. Early in their marriage, the couple relocated back to Wilkes-Barre, where they began their family and were blessed with their first three children. In 1956, the family relocated one last time to the Utica area and went on to have one more adored child, giving them an even two girls and two boys. Rita and Samuel shared 60 loving years prior to his passing on April 24, 2008. Rita felt great fulfillment in her role as a full-time mother. She spent her days providing her children full bellies, history lessons, and home-sewn clothing of the highest quality. She was an incredibly talented seamstress and made many items for those she loved. Although she was an avid reader of historical fiction, she was a true history enthusiast, so much so that her ideal family vacation consisted of days spent visiting Forts and State Parks. Rita also loved the times they spent camping, rain or shine. When her children were all grown up, she decided to take a position at Loblaw’s as a cashier, which she truly enjoyed. Rita will be remembered as a kind, intelligent, compassionate, loving soul who could always be found attending to the needs of her family and her garden. If you were to ask Rita, she would say her landscaping was “the best on the street,” topped off with her roses and serviceberry tree. She was proud to have produced “many beautiful flowers.” Rita was an active member of the Marcy Seniors and YWCA for a number of years, from which she made many lifelong friends. She was also an active St. Peter’s Church parishioner, never missing a weekend Mass. Rita is survived by her children, Mary Fiore, Nancy Bello, Robert and Nancy (Coleman) Fiore, and James Fiore and Karen Schaffer. She treasured in her heart the memory of her grandson Matthew Bello, who passed away on September 2, 2018. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Kate Fiore, and Samuel Fiore. She fondly remembered her sisters and brothers-in-law who preceded her, Catherine Ann and Michael S. Yanulus, and Alice and Leland L. Rinker. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins will also remember Rita. She was additionally predeceased by her best friend, Anette Flynn; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Gaetana (Sassano) Fiore; son-in-law Harry Bello; and in-laws, Carolyn M. Fiore, Lucy (Fiore) and Frank Britelli, Teresa (Fiore) and Frank J. Tomaino, and Joseph D. and Rose D. (Potenza) Fiore. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rita’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life, which will commence on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave. Memorial contributions in Rita’s name may be made to the YWCA at www.ywca.org/get-involved/ways-to-give; envelopes will also be available at the service. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum in Holy Trinity Cemetery immediately following Mass.

Rita J. (Clocker) Fiore

August 5, 1926 - March 19, 2024