Claudia Spallanzani

Claudia is survived by her two loving children: John and his wife, Anne Marie, and Claudia (Spallanzani) Bahrs and Christopher Cooney. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to five grandsons—John Andrew, Matthew, and James Spallanzani, and Thomas (Kimberly) and Michael Bahrs —who brought her immeasurable joy. She is also survived by her sister, Lorna Pecoraro, many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and dear friends.

Claudia was born on November 19, 1941, in Brooklyn, NY, and was the beloved daughter of the late Claude and Raffaela (Balsamo) Gaffoni. After graduating from Manual Training High School, she began her career at Bankers Trust, where she worked in the Fiduciary Department.

On October 20, 1963, Claudia married the love of her life, John Spallanzani. Together, they built a life centered in love, family, and devotion. Claudia was a devoted wife and mother, and in later years selflessly cared for her husband during the final years of his life.

In 1973, Claudia and John moved their family of four to Suffern, NY. There, Claudia earned her Associate’s Degree from Rockland Community College and went on to work in the Suffern Central School District, from which she later retired after many years of dedicated service as a secretary at Suffern High School.

Rooted in deep and abiding faith, Claudia was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church. Through the parish, she was an active member of the Ladies Guild and Prayer Shawl Ministry, lovingly creating prayer shawls for others, never imagining that one day she would receive one herself - a gift of comfort being wrapped in God’s love.

A true fighter, Claudia faced life’s challenges with courage, grace, and determination. She possessed a remarkable gift for making others feel welcomed and valued, treating friends as family. Her warmth, kindness, generosity, giving spirit and sense of humor touched all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed. Claudia’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. She will be forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched and was blessed to know.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of ANGELS at Villa Marie Claire Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and dignity they provided during Claudia’s last days of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Villa Marie Claire Hospice Residence, 12 West Saddle River Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458.

Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Wanamaker and Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on January 31, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 129 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, NY.