Clara D'Arcangelo, 89, born December 22, 1914 went to meet her Savior on January 5, 2004.
She was the loving and loyal partner to Tony D'Arcangelo for over 67 years. They met some 70 years ago at a skating rink in Cleveland, Ohio and were inseparable from that day on.
Not being able to choose between a professional softball career or joining a close friend in the Catholic Sisterhood, she chose to become a devoted wife to Tony and mother to son, Ken and daughter Darlene. Tony and Clara decided to make an exodus to Arizona after World War II with some other family members in 1947. Like many entrepreneur's of that era, they worked hard establishing a family business (Tony & Clara's Auto Detailing) that sustained several generations. They were members of the Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1950's as well as developing a grassroots interest in the new Phoenix Italian American Club of which they were members for over 40 years as well as life long members of St. Mark's for over 50 years.
Clara helped run the family business for many years, but still made time for her many big family get-togethers and spaghetti dinners. It was not at all unusual in the early days of Phoenix sports to be joined by some well known sports figure of the day, or new Parish Priest, that Tony would unexpectedly bring to dinner and Clara would good naturedly set another plate for. Everyone was always welcome.
When the grandchildren started arriving in the later 1950's (seven in six years) they decided to retire early and spend their summers in California in the 60's and 70's and became Nana & Pappy, not only to their own grandchildren, but their grandchildren's friends as well. Many of these "friends" are grown and have children of their own and Clara was still Grandma to them all. It was about this time that Clara became Mrs. Claus to Tony's, Santa. They enjoyed this role for over 40 years before retiring their familiar Christmas outfits in 2002. A close friend had made the beautiful red velvet outfits earlier when it was discovered that their popularity went far beyond family, to friends, their many business associates and several charitable organizations that eventually kept them busy long before the Christmas season began.
Nana did not want to leave us but she worked so hard at everything that she did and God knew that she really needed a rest. So, we must say good-bye, at least for now and tell her how much she will be missed by all who knew her.
Clara is survived by her husband Tony, son Ken, daughter-in-law Ruth Anne, daughter Darlene and son-in-law, John Nelson; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; Kelly & Ken Lew, Heidi D'Arcangelo, Darren & Tracy D'Arcangelo, Tamie & Steve Pruniski, Trisha Winton and Lisa Himmell, as well as 11 great grandchildren; Tessa, Brandon, Nicole, Chelsea, Joshua, Justin, Austin, Camille, K.C., Steven and new baby Sally. The 9th of the 11 children, Clara is survived by brother Walter Zdanowicz and sister Millie Caldwell of Cleveland, OH.
Visitation and Rosary at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home, 3934 E. Indian School Rd. on Friday, January 9th. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 10th at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St. The burial service followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 or St. Mark's Educational Fund, 400 N 30th St. - You leave with us a legacy of Strength, devotion and commitment to God and family
She was the loving and loyal partner to Tony D'Arcangelo for over 67 years. They met some 70 years ago at a skating rink in Cleveland, Ohio and were inseparable from that day on.
Not being able to choose between a professional softball career or joining a close friend in the Catholic Sisterhood, she chose to become a devoted wife to Tony and mother to son, Ken and daughter Darlene. Tony and Clara decided to make an exodus to Arizona after World War II with some other family members in 1947. Like many entrepreneur's of that era, they worked hard establishing a family business (Tony & Clara's Auto Detailing) that sustained several generations. They were members of the Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1950's as well as developing a grassroots interest in the new Phoenix Italian American Club of which they were members for over 40 years as well as life long members of St. Mark's for over 50 years.
Clara helped run the family business for many years, but still made time for her many big family get-togethers and spaghetti dinners. It was not at all unusual in the early days of Phoenix sports to be joined by some well known sports figure of the day, or new Parish Priest, that Tony would unexpectedly bring to dinner and Clara would good naturedly set another plate for. Everyone was always welcome.
When the grandchildren started arriving in the later 1950's (seven in six years) they decided to retire early and spend their summers in California in the 60's and 70's and became Nana & Pappy, not only to their own grandchildren, but their grandchildren's friends as well. Many of these "friends" are grown and have children of their own and Clara was still Grandma to them all. It was about this time that Clara became Mrs. Claus to Tony's, Santa. They enjoyed this role for over 40 years before retiring their familiar Christmas outfits in 2002. A close friend had made the beautiful red velvet outfits earlier when it was discovered that their popularity went far beyond family, to friends, their many business associates and several charitable organizations that eventually kept them busy long before the Christmas season began.
Nana did not want to leave us but she worked so hard at everything that she did and God knew that she really needed a rest. So, we must say good-bye, at least for now and tell her how much she will be missed by all who knew her.
Clara is survived by her husband Tony, son Ken, daughter-in-law Ruth Anne, daughter Darlene and son-in-law, John Nelson; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; Kelly & Ken Lew, Heidi D'Arcangelo, Darren & Tracy D'Arcangelo, Tamie & Steve Pruniski, Trisha Winton and Lisa Himmell, as well as 11 great grandchildren; Tessa, Brandon, Nicole, Chelsea, Joshua, Justin, Austin, Camille, K.C., Steven and new baby Sally. The 9th of the 11 children, Clara is survived by brother Walter Zdanowicz and sister Millie Caldwell of Cleveland, OH.
Visitation and Rosary at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home, 3934 E. Indian School Rd. on Friday, January 9th. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 10th at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St. The burial service followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 or St. Mark's Educational Fund, 400 N 30th St. - You leave with us a legacy of Strength, devotion and commitment to God and family
Clara D'Arcangelo, 89, born December 22, 1914 went to meet her Savior on January 5, 2004.
She was the loving and loyal partner to Tony D'Arcangelo for over 67 years. They met some 70 years ago at a skating rink in Cleveland, Ohio and were inseparable from that day on.
Not being able to choose between a professional softball career or joining a close friend in the Catholic Sisterhood, she chose to become a devoted wife to Tony and mother to son, Ken and daughter Darlene. Tony and Clara decided to make an exodus to Arizona after World War II with some other family members in 1947. Like many entrepreneur's of that era, they worked hard establishing a family business (Tony & Clara's Auto Detailing) that sustained several generations. They were members of the Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1950's as well as developing a grassroots interest in the new Phoenix Italian American Club of which they were members for over 40 years as well as life long members of St. Mark's for over 50 years.
Clara helped run the family business for many years, but still made time for her many big family get-togethers and spaghetti dinners. It was not at all unusual in the early days of Phoenix sports to be joined by some well known sports figure of the day, or new Parish Priest, that Tony would unexpectedly bring to dinner and Clara would good naturedly set another plate for. Everyone was always welcome.
When the grandchildren started arriving in the later 1950's (seven in six years) they decided to retire early and spend their summers in California in the 60's and 70's and became Nana & Pappy, not only to their own grandchildren, but their grandchildren's friends as well. Many of these "friends" are grown and have children of their own and Clara was still Grandma to them all. It was about this time that Clara became Mrs. Claus to Tony's, Santa. They enjoyed this role for over 40 years before retiring their familiar Christmas outfits in 2002. A close friend had made the beautiful red velvet outfits earlier when it was discovered that their popularity went far beyond family, to friends, their many business associates and several charitable organizations that eventually kept them busy long before the Christmas season began.
Nana did not want to leave us but she worked so hard at everything that she did and God knew that she really needed a rest. So, we must say good-bye, at least for now and tell her how much she will be missed by all who knew her.
Clara is survived by her husband Tony, son Ken, daughter-in-law Ruth Anne, daughter Darlene and son-in-law, John Nelson; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; Kelly & Ken Lew, Heidi D'Arcangelo, Darren & Tracy D'Arcangelo, Tamie & Steve Pruniski, Trisha Winton and Lisa Himmell, as well as 11 great grandchildren; Tessa, Brandon, Nicole, Chelsea, Joshua, Justin, Austin, Camille, K.C., Steven and new baby Sally. The 9th of the 11 children, Clara is survived by brother Walter Zdanowicz and sister Millie Caldwell of Cleveland, OH.
Visitation and Rosary at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home, 3934 E. Indian School Rd. on Friday, January 9th. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 10th at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St. The burial service followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 or St. Mark's Educational Fund, 400 N 30th St. - You leave with us a legacy of Strength, devotion and commitment to God and family
She was the loving and loyal partner to Tony D'Arcangelo for over 67 years. They met some 70 years ago at a skating rink in Cleveland, Ohio and were inseparable from that day on.
Not being able to choose between a professional softball career or joining a close friend in the Catholic Sisterhood, she chose to become a devoted wife to Tony and mother to son, Ken and daughter Darlene. Tony and Clara decided to make an exodus to Arizona after World War II with some other family members in 1947. Like many entrepreneur's of that era, they worked hard establishing a family business (Tony & Clara's Auto Detailing) that sustained several generations. They were members of the Phoenix Junior Chamber of Commerce in the 1950's as well as developing a grassroots interest in the new Phoenix Italian American Club of which they were members for over 40 years as well as life long members of St. Mark's for over 50 years.
Clara helped run the family business for many years, but still made time for her many big family get-togethers and spaghetti dinners. It was not at all unusual in the early days of Phoenix sports to be joined by some well known sports figure of the day, or new Parish Priest, that Tony would unexpectedly bring to dinner and Clara would good naturedly set another plate for. Everyone was always welcome.
When the grandchildren started arriving in the later 1950's (seven in six years) they decided to retire early and spend their summers in California in the 60's and 70's and became Nana & Pappy, not only to their own grandchildren, but their grandchildren's friends as well. Many of these "friends" are grown and have children of their own and Clara was still Grandma to them all. It was about this time that Clara became Mrs. Claus to Tony's, Santa. They enjoyed this role for over 40 years before retiring their familiar Christmas outfits in 2002. A close friend had made the beautiful red velvet outfits earlier when it was discovered that their popularity went far beyond family, to friends, their many business associates and several charitable organizations that eventually kept them busy long before the Christmas season began.
Nana did not want to leave us but she worked so hard at everything that she did and God knew that she really needed a rest. So, we must say good-bye, at least for now and tell her how much she will be missed by all who knew her.
Clara is survived by her husband Tony, son Ken, daughter-in-law Ruth Anne, daughter Darlene and son-in-law, John Nelson; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; Kelly & Ken Lew, Heidi D'Arcangelo, Darren & Tracy D'Arcangelo, Tamie & Steve Pruniski, Trisha Winton and Lisa Himmell, as well as 11 great grandchildren; Tessa, Brandon, Nicole, Chelsea, Joshua, Justin, Austin, Camille, K.C., Steven and new baby Sally. The 9th of the 11 children, Clara is survived by brother Walter Zdanowicz and sister Millie Caldwell of Cleveland, OH.
Visitation and Rosary at Paradise Chapel Funeral Home, 3934 E. Indian School Rd. on Friday, January 9th. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 10th at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 400 N. 30th St. The burial service followed at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 or St. Mark's Educational Fund, 400 N 30th St. - You leave with us a legacy of Strength, devotion and commitment to God and family
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