Obituary of Claire Basile

“Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend. “

Claire Basile passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 with her niece Corrine and nephew Johnny by her side.  She shared 90 years of love and laughter with her family.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 8, 2022 at St. Mary’s RC Church, Denville at 10:00am.  Inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum, North Arlington. 

Donations in her name may be made to the good work of Padre Pio Foundation of America.

Born on April 2, 1931 to the late Charles and Marie (nee Signorini) Paraboschi; Claire was one of eight children to bless the family.  She lived in Newark most of her life and worked for the Newark Police Department until her retirement. Working for Newark was one of her greatest honors.   She was an amazing cook and loved to bake.  She started a small business baking cheesecakes and delivering them to some of the Jersey Shore diners for them to sell to their customers.

In later years she moved to Rockaway Township to be near her sister Frances, where she remained for 18 years until her passing.  Claire began working as a school crossing guard/traffic safety officer where she was awarded, at an award ceremony, for her commitment and dedication to the students, parents, employees and bus drivers at Copeland School for approx. 12 years.  At 85 years old she would stand in all weather for the safety of the children, a job that she truly enjoyed. She formed new friendships with many of the residents and just loved the children.  She was always there with a treat for the dogs who took a ride to pick up their human.  Hugs for the children and a multitude of laughter with parents, staff and those who were blessed to meet her. She always had a pack of gum for the police and road dept employees.

After leaving Rockaway Township’s position, she enjoyed her almost daily trips to Shop Rite, where she enjoyed socializing with all of her friends and with the employees of the each department.

Above all, she loved spending time with her family and taking care of them on all levels.

Although we are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and watching over her family with love.

Predeceased by her siblings Louis Bruce, Eugene Bruce, Laura Nowaki, Camille (June) Paraboschi and Carlette McGuire; her nieces Linda Bruce and Tara (McGuire) Freschi; she leaves behind her dear siblings Frances Neri and Charles “Sonny” Paraboschi (Marina); her daughter Debbie Tosi; her granddaughters Kristen and Stephanie, her beloved nieces and nephews Dr. Charles Paraboshi (Sherry); Eugene Calabrese (Colleen) Glenn Calabrese (Francine) Nancy Knops (Darrel) Susan Elliott (Scott) Stephanie Paraboschi (Janet) Corrine Calabrese-LoSchiavo (John); Steven Paraboschi (Marci), as well as many great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.