Clara R. Canori

Clara R Canori, 91, of Elm Street, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2019, at Summit Village in Watertown with her son Richard by her side.

Clara was born on May 28, 1927 in Benghazi, Lybia, daughter of Vincenzo and Giovanna Corallo Sinacori. She is predeceased by her husband, Gerald F. Canori, her parents, a sister Olga and a brother Adrianno.

After losing her mother at the age of 7, then her father at the age of 13, Clara lived with her aunt, Concentina. At the age of 13 Clara, Zia Concentina and her children left Bengazi on a German Military aircraft and relocated to Rome, Italy. This was the early portion of WWII; following her from North Africa to Europe.

Clara attended the University of Rome at the age of 17. She was fluent in Italian, Arabic, French and later English. She studied under the tutelage of Dr. Gianni Pucci. Clara became close to the Puccia family. While living in Rome, Clara met her husband Sergeant Gerald F. Canori, an American soldier, while strolling in the Villa Borghese. After a short courtship Clara and Gerald were married at the Basilica di St. Agnese in Rome in 1945, at the end of the European War.

A true love story began, with Clara coming to the United States on a US military hospital ship, the Algonquin arriving in New York Harbor on Columbus Day in 1945 and was the first war bride in Watertown, NY in the same year. Jerry arrived in the US on a troop ship, Clara followed months later. Jerry met the ship in New York City. They began their life together and lived with his parents on Dorsey Street. Clara became very close to Jerry’s parents and his siblings.

Clara is survived by her sister Irene Russino and brother Aldo Sinacori, both of Rome, Italy, her children, beloved son and special caregiver, Richard (Laura), son Gary (Virginia) and daughter, Joanne (William), her grandchildren, Joseph (Amoreena), Marissa, Andrea, Eric, Vanessa (Doug), Michael (Taryn) and Lisa (Donald), ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She adored her grandchildren.

Her son Richard was a devoted and loving son to her always and remained by her side throughout her entire life.

Clara was a homemaker, excellent cook and worked with Jerry in the package business on Arsenal Street and later at the Stateway Plaza, until the business was sold to Fay’s Discount liquor. She was an astute businesswoman, who always enjoyed meeting and talking with her customers.

A funeral service and burial will be private at the convenience of the family, as Clara wished. Arrangements are with D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. Contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Church, 850 Arsenal Street, Watertown, Ny 13601. Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

A special thank you to the staff at the Samaritan Summit Village and at the Samaritan Medical Center for their loving care and compassion.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clara R. Canori, please visit our floral store.