Clara Pantazis

Clara Pantazis nee Lubrano was born November 15, 1920, at home in West Brighton, Staten Island, NY. She attended and graduated from PS 18 Elementary school in West Brighton. She then attended and graduated from Port Richmond High School, Port Richmond, Staten Island.

In July of 1944, she married her husband James Pantazis of West Brighton. She and her husband celebrated 68 years of marriage before he passed away on September 28, 2012.

She worked in different dress shops as an operator with bridal gowns being her specialty. She was then chosen to become a business agent for the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She retired in 1976 to become a full-time wife and mother.

Throughout Clara’s life she has dedicated much of her time to those around her. Early on, she joined the Staten Island Heart Foundation and helped them raise money for Staten Island Cardiac Unit at Staten Island Hospital. She also crocheted over 100 hats and blankets for preemies in the NICU for several hospitals.

Traveling was also something Clara enjoyed. Her husband, James and Clara loved to travel together and took many cruises to Europe, Caribbean, Panama, and Alaska. They also, loved to take motor trips to different parts of the U.S. and Canada as well. They spent their winters in Florida for many years.

Clara leaves behind her beloved daughter, Adele Mottola of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, granddaughter, Nicole Mottola of Lawrenceville, NJ, grandson, Michael Mottola of Las Vegas, Nevada and a great-grandson, Maximus James Edgar of Lawrenceville, NJ. She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In her amazing 102 years, Clara has touched the lives of many. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, happiness, and never-ending love to all those that have entered her life. Everyone that has come into Clara’s life has been touched by her generosity, her infectious smile and laughter, and the will to want to be a better person because of her presence.

In lieu of flowers, Clara would love for you to donate to St. Jude’s and help children in need. Let us continue her legacy of helping others and spreading joy to those around you.

Clara's funeral service will commence on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:30 at St. Joseph - St. Thomas Catholic Church, 6097 Amboy Road, Staten Island, NY 10309, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island.