Obituary of Claire Scalici

Claire Scalici Mother, Grandmother of Westerleigh. Claire Scalici (nee Cirbus), 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her three children on Tuesday after a brief illness and was reunited with the love of her life and best friend, her beloved husband Jack (Giacchino) Scalici. A life-long Staten Island resident, she was born in Port Richmond to Anna and Frank Cirbus. She was a graduate of P.S. 30 and Port Richmond High School where her name still remains on the permanent honor roll board and is a member of the Alumni Association. Mentored by her aunt and pioneer business owner in 1952, Claire worked in the Insurance industry for Annette Cirbus Insurance Agency. It is there where fate brought her the chance meeting with her partner in both life and business - her beloved husband Jack. They were married in 1954 in St. Roch's Church and made their happy, energetic, and loving home in Westerleigh where together they raised a family for 63 years before Jack's death in 2013. Claire and Jack went on to run several businesses/ventures together including Nature's Garden Center in Port Richmond Center, Island Patio in Mariners Harbor, Empire, Inc., and Woodchuck Firewood. Claire followed the NY Yankees and was a huge fan, never missing a game. She also enjoyed boating vacations with her son at the New Jersey Shore, family trips to the Catskill Mountains and frequent trips to Atlantic City with her daughters. She was an avid animal lover and supported many rescue organizations. Above all, Claire loved her family and friends and the time she spent with them, especially her grandchildren. She always put others above herself and was a caring and loving mother and grandmother. Even when experiencing a difficult health period in her life, she faced life with strength and determination and never lost her sense of humor and infectious smile. Claire was an incredible woman with a positive attitude and caring personality. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing special meals for her family, weekly trips to the beauty salon, carefully reading morning newspapers cover to cover, but the main joy and focus of her life was her family and devoted to her granddaughters. Claire was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Frank Cirbus and her brother Edward F. Cirbus. She is survived by her children Dr. Peter Scalici (Annette), Claire (Susie) Oddo and husband Joseph and Carol Scalici (Thomas); her cherished grandchildren Alexandra Scalici and Jaclyn Oddo, treasured brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many dear nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends. Her life was filled with pride and dignity thanks to her amazing healthcare professionals. She passed peacefully knowing she was loved deeply by her family and friends. Always a calming and peaceful presence, the editors of her 1952 Port Richmond High School yearbook keenly captured Claire's demeanor as "At peace with the world". And she was. Funeral from the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc. 2508 Victory Boulevard on Monday, August 1, 2022 departing at 10 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family R.C. Church at 10:30 AM. Entombment to follow at Moravian Cemetery. Family and friends may visit on Sunday, July 31st from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.