Jeanne Clapp Strombelline

Jeanne Clapp Strombelline of West Orange, NJ and former long-time resident of Smithtown, NY, passed away peacefully at The Cliffs at Eagle Rock in West Orange with the love and presence of her family on Saturday, July 27, 2019.

Jeanne was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1925 into a close-knit family, who worked diligently throughout the Depression to ensure that their children had their support and a solid education. Jeanne showed academic promise early, following an accelerated program in the NYC public schools, and attending the City College of New York (now CUNY) on a full academic scholarship, graduating with high honors in 1942. She then graduated summa cum laude from New York University with a Master's degree in education. Her teaching career began promptly with the New York City Board of Education in the capacity of English and History teacher. After a hiatus to start a family, Jeanne then felt called to return to her role as educator and taught business education subjects at Commack High School on Long Island for over 20 years. An ardent lesson planner, she crafted a curriculum that served her many students well, preparing them to move directly into careers as secretaries and administrative assistants upon graduation.

The arts, in particular theater, were always close to Jeanne's heart and particularly while raising her young children, she performed in community theater and choirs. She appeared in Showboat, Porgy and Bess, and A Streetcar Named Desire, among other shows, where she welcomed the opportunity to showcase her beautiful soprano voice. A talented pianist, Jeanne would often spontaneously seek out her baby grand piano for songfests in which she would sing and play her favorites, especially classical music and show tunes.

Jeanne was a consummate homemaker and entertainer and took great joy in hosting frequent dinner parties and holiday family feasts. She was a welcoming hostess who took pride in bringing together her diverse group of friends. She will perhaps be best remembered for her affable and magnanimous spirit.

She was predeceased by her adoring husband, Andrew Strombelline, with whom she enjoyed 58 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her loving parents Michael and Rose Clapp, and her brother John Clapp. Jeanne is survived by her son, Eric Strombelline of Manassas, VA and her daughter, Chandler Strombelline of South Orange, NJ. She is also survived by grandchildren Alexander Cohen and Melissa and Michael Strombelline, as well as by three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will take place on Monday, July 29th at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 East Mount Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ from 3pm to 9pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 30th at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 217 Prospect Street, South Orange, NJ at 11am.

Interment will be private and occur at a later date at the request of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks instead that donations please be considered in Jeanne's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or the ASPCA (aspca.org).