Clara Iavarone

Clara Iavarone, 87, of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters at her home on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Born on April 24, 1939, and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late Frank and Helen Cecchini.

Clara built a life defined by steady devotion and quiet strength. With an honest spirit and a brave, resilient heart, she met each season with determination and grace, offering those around her the comfort of someone who could be counted on—faithful in her commitments, and steadfast in her love for family and community.

For many years, Clara worked as an Administrative Assistant at St. Francis Hospital in Jersey City, retiring in 2000. Her work reflected the same diligence that shaped her life—hard-working, dependable, and guided by integrity.

Clara was married to the love of her life for 50 years, Fiore, who predeceased her in 2009. She is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Bolles and her husband Dennis, Susan Frederick and her husband Michael, and Linda Bilek and her husband Robert. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Grant and his wife Elena, Lauren, and Sydney. Clara is further survived by her two sisters, Lorraine Cecchini and Diane Cecchini, and a host of loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Frankie Cecchini, Larry Cecchini, and Mickey Cecchini.

Clara found joy in the simple pleasures that fill a home with warmth and conversation. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and word searches, reading books, playing bingo, and attending many social events at her clubhouse in Holiday City. She loved playing bocce ball, shuffleboard, darts, and bowling, and she especially enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

A woman of faith, Clara was a parishioner of St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church and served as a lector for Sunday Mass, a role that reflected her devotion and the steady sincerity with which she lived.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 4–8 pm at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Rd., Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 10 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church, Toms River. Entombment will follow to St. Joseph's Cemetery, Toms River.