Claire M. Paola

Claire Paola, devoted mother, grandmother, community advocate, and fundraiser, passed away, surrounded by the love of her whole family. She was predeceased by her husband of forty years, Frederick M. Paola, and is survived by her four children: Fred Paola (Christine), Claire Meany (Steve), Elizabeth Foley (Gerard), and Ronald Paola (Christine), and by her seven grandchildren: Emily, Meghan, Caitlin, Shay, Paolo, Brody, and Logan.

Born in Queens, New York, Claire was a city girl with a fast pace and a big heart. She began her career as a legal secretary. As important as the work was, it gave her something far more lasting: it was where she met the love of her life, her husband of forty years, Fred Paola. Together, they built a life anchored in devotion—to each other, to their family, and to the Bethpage community.

Claire and Fred moved to Long Island to raise their four children—a role Claire embraced as her true vocation. She was a dedicated, hands-on mother who showed up for every milestone, large and small, from swim meets to football and baseball games, to cheerleading competitions, and all-county concerts. She knew her children’s friends and teachers and created a home where each of them felt loved and supported.

Her commitment to her family naturally extended to her community. At Kramer Lane School, Claire was deeply involved as the PTA President, working tirelessly to improve the school experience for students. She became affectionately known as the “Pretzel Lady,” selling ten-cent soft pretzels with a warm smile and a kind word.

Her passion for helping others led to a more than twenty-year career with the March of Dimes on Long Island. As a fundraiser and organizer, Claire poured her energy into improving the lives of babies and families. Through persistence, relationship-building, and unwavering dedication, she helped raise millions of dollars year after year as Long Island’s Walk America Chair, much of it through her own efforts.

Claire took great pride in her roles as Mammy, Grandma, and “Big Claire” to Emily, Meghan, Caitlin, Shay, Paolo, Brody, and Logan. She was always in the stands at swim meets, baseball games, and kick line competitions, cheering louder than anyone and celebrating as if it were a championship event. Off the sidelines, she shared unforgettable stories about growing up in Queens, meeting their “Pop” Fred, and the lessons she learned along the way. These stories now form part of the family’s shared memory, a legacy her grandchildren will carry into the next generation.

Above all, Claire will be remembered for her love of family, her fierce advocacy for those in need, her dedication to service, and her gift for human connection. Her legacy lives on in the children and grandchildren she cherished, and in the many lives made better because she cared enough to show up, speak up, and reach out.

May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the March of Dimes https://www.marchofdimes.org/donate-now

Visitation will be held at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, 234 Broadway, Bethpage, NY 11714, US, on March 12, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again on March 12, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Martin of Tours RC Church, 220 Central Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714, US, on March 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Interment will take place at Long Island National Cemetery, 2040 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735, US, on March 13, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.