Clara Marrone

Clara was born on January 23, 1936, to Giuseppe and Anna Calzone in Reino, Italy near Naples. Clara lived in her hometown until she was 17. In 1953 she traveled to the United States with her father, Giuseppe, visiting relatives in New York and Connecticut then settling in Fresno where her uncle Carmine Calzone and his family lived. Clara worked many different jobs when she first arrived in Fresno, including picking tomatoes, peaches and figs. She took citizenship classes at Fresno City College, becoming a US Citizen in 1958 and learned to drive so she could take her father to job sites in Fresno and Madera where he built stone fences and fireplaces. Clara returned to Italy in 1960 and wed her long-time love, Angelo Marrone. They came to the United States in January 1963. After returning to Fresno, Clara was referred by a family friend to find employment at Rossi’s Pizzeria in Fresno’s Downtown Farmer’s Market. She started washing dishes, then assisting in the kitchen and eventually becoming the main cook. Her husband Angelo was a master ironworker until he was injured in 1968, which prevented him from continuing this line of work. After recovering from back surgery Angelo and Clara managed Rossi's Pizzeria in Fresno's Downtown Farmers Market, then in 1971 they opened their own restaurant, Calzone's Pizzeria on Stanislaus St. in downtown Fresno. Calzone's was popular among local businesses and families alike. The restaurant was not only known for their delicious home style pizzas, calzones, famous short ribs, and of course the best spaghetti sauce in town, but most importantly everyone that walked in the door of Calzone's Pizzeria became family.

After 20 years, they closed the restaurant and Clara found a position with the Clovis Unified Food Service Department. She worked as part of the kitchen staff for Pinedale Elementary and Buchanan High School. Clara finally retired in 2003 and enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren and taking bus trips with Angelo and friends to the central coast, San Francisco and Laughlin, Nevada.

Clara will be missed and be forever in our hearts.

Clara is survived by her loving son, Alfio Marrone and his wife lliana; and much loved Grandchildren, Alina, Nicolas, and Analis; and 5 Great-Grandchildren, Mateus, Cyrus, Blaise, Gracen and Christian Angelo. She is also survived by her nephews in Italy, Carmine, Giuseppe, Vittorio, Tullio, and Mauro.

The Holy Rosary will be recited at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr., Fresno, CA 93730, on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at the same location.

Family and friends are invited to join in prayer and remembrance as they honor Clara’s life, give thanks for the love she shared, and find comfort in the lasting memories she leaves in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Marrone family.