Clara L. SanGiovanni

Somerville, NJ

Clara L. SanGiovanni, 87, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024 in her home state of New Jersey. Born in Finderne, she established a life for herself in Somerville as a successful independent business owner. Clara was an amazing Aunt, a trail blazer ahead of her time, and as an owner and operator of her business, she was vibrantly connected to the community. While she didn't have children of her own, she was an incredible influence on and presence in her extended family. To this day she is also fondly remembered by the many lives she touched over the many decades that she operated her business. Her strength, caring, humor, and work ethic will live on in the lives she touched. As one small example of her kindness and generosity, on a family trip to a water park, she bought ice cream for all of the lost children as they waited to be reunited with their parents. This simple example epitomizes who she was at her core. She was generous beyond measure to everyone, family and strangers alike.

Clara's favorite time was spending summers at the beach with her family and each year she'd rent a house large enough for the entire extended family to come and stay. The memories of late night funnel cakes, creamsicles, and endless laughs will live on forever in our memories. Clara was a skilled card player, as well as an amazing chef, and whether she was cooking up a storm in the kitchen or playing a game of 500 rummy, she was always so full of life. This is how we will remember her.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents Gemma and Angelo SanGiovanni.

Surviving are her dear brother, Ralph SanGiovanni, two loving sisters, Barbara Najarian and Joanne Sassi, and many nieces and nephews. Clara will remain in our prayers and thoughts forever.

"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart."

Committal is private.