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Claudia Burzichelli Obituary
AGE: 54 • Bridgewater
Claudia Burzichelli, of Bridgewater, New Jersey and Cape May Point, New Jersey; passed away on Friday, June 7, 2013. She was born August 13, 1958, in Bremerhaven, Germany to Norma G. Dowling and the late Peter G. Dowling. Claudia graduated from Douglas College, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She was married to Robert J. Burzichelli, Esq. on August 16, 1986. They shared 26 wonderful years together. She was the founder and executive director of the Center for Effective School Practices (CESP) of Rutgers University. CESP supports implementation of up-to-date research-based practice in preschools, and elementary, middle, and high schools. Operating at the intersection of education practice and university-based research, CESP includes the Academy for Teaching and Learning, the Charter School Resource Center, the Coalition of Essential Schools-New Jersey, the Public Education Institute, and the Small Schools Resource Center. CESP also provides Project-Based Learning and Critical Friends Groups training. CESP is the Rutgers base of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory. She was a fierce and effective advocate for public education in New Jersey. Additionally she was a member of the Board of Directors for the America the Beautiful Fund. Claudia recently testified before a NJ State Assembly Committee on the newly introduced Death with Dignity Bill. She was subsequently voted one of the top 50 most influential people in health care in New Jersey for 2013. She enjoyed painting, tap dancing, Rutgers football, and the Jersey shore.
Claudia was survived by her beloved husband, Robert J. Burzichelli, Esq; her beloved daughters, Corinne Burzichelli and Jacqueline Burzichelli; her mother, Norma G. Dowling; her brother, John P. Dowling; her father-in-law Mayor John D. Burzichelli; her brother and sister-in-laws Assemblymen John J. Burzichelli and Janice McKenzie, Dominick J. Burzichelli and Karen Burzichelli, and Theodore Burzichelli and Carolyn Burzichelli; as well as her nieces and nephew: Jessica Burzichelli, Melissa Burzichelli, Shannon Burzichelli, and Daniel Burzichelli and her aunt Nanine Dowling.
Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, June 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, 35 Mountain Ave, Somerville, NJ 08876.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donation be made to the Rutgers University Foundation in the Memory of Claudia Burzichelli. You can send your donation to the Rutgers University Foundation, 7 College Ave, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, Attention: Keith Richardson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Claudia Burzichelli
Sponsored by Her loving family.
Michael Fisk
January 7, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. Attended grade school with Claudia and she was always outgoing, intelligent, helpful, and a huge success at everything she tried. Also, very fast on her bike. My condolences to the family.
November 28, 2013
Bob,
It has been many years but please know I am so sorry to hear of Claudia's passing. My heart goes out to you and your girls. The loss of a life partner is nothing we ever prepare for and having experienced it myself I extend my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
It has been many years since law school and our old "study group" but it was a connection one never forgets.
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss.
Barbara Henle
Beverley G. Benner
July 23, 2013
So sad to learn of Claudia's death as well as Peter's. My husband, Harry, is the son of Marian Dowling Benner. We were at Claudia's wedding and she actually danced with our two youngest children, Julie and Jake. Coincidentally, Jake passed away recently from cancer on June 17, 2013. We regret having lost touch with your wonderful family. Best, Beverley Benner, Charlottesville, VA.
nancy peer
July 19, 2013
just heard about Claudia's passing. My deepest sympathy to Mrs Dowling, John, Bob ,Corinne and Jacquelyn and everyone who knew and loved her She was a brilliant woman with a gigantic heart that never changed. Glad to have known her nancy stairs peer
diane hammernik , claudia dowling and nancy stairs 1972 i think
nancy stairs peer
July 19, 2013
Anthony Gentile
July 9, 2013
Dear Bobby and Family, So sorry to hear of the loss of Claudia, my deepest sympathy to you and children. Love, Tony and Donna
Claudia always having fun, remembering a wonderful person, she will be missed by all her classmates of Somerville High School, class of 1976!!
Lori Barist -Hliva
June 13, 2013
Jane Roeder
June 12, 2013
Bob, I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Lisa Pillon
June 12, 2013
Dear Corinne and Jacqueline, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was always smiling and had a nice word to say about everyone and everything. I always enjoyed seeing her around and catching up. I know she will be missed greatly.
With sincere sympathy,
Lisa Pillon
Mike Marion
June 11, 2013
So saddened by Claudia's passing; what a bright light and intellect, and such a warm and passionate soul. I am honored to have had a chance to learn about her love of Rutgers, her work at the Center, and about her family--and I'll always recall fondly our conversations about respective daughters (she was SO proud of those girls). My condolences to the Burzichelli family...
Cindy Freed
June 11, 2013
So sorry to the family and friends of Claudia! I am so sad. She was a wonderful classmate of mine from Somerville High School. Always thought alot of her. I am so impressed by her long list of accomplishments. She was quite a lady! My condolences.
Kathleen Conlin
June 11, 2013
Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Claudia was a warrior, never giving up her fight, and always keeping a smile on her face. She accomplished so much in her short time on earth, and will live on in each of you as well as all those who loved her. God bless the Burzichelli family.
Karen,Herb,Clauda 9/23/08
Wm & Jeannie Pollock
June 11, 2013
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Burzichelli family along with our prayers. The Rutgers community and the schools of NJ and Mid-Atlantic lost a strong benefactor with her passing.
William & Jeannie Pollock
Jmaie Goren
June 11, 2013
Princess Dia! A warrior to the end. Our beloved hero. Incredible mom, wife and friend. In our hearts forever.
Somerville High School '76, Gym Class. RIP Claudia, you were always a fun, sweet person!
Lori Barist-Hliva
June 11, 2013
Somerville class of '76
Lori Barist-Hliva
June 11, 2013
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Claudia, she was a classmate of mine from the class of "76. I saw Claudia throughout the years with her family, last time in Wildwood, when there was a dance competition.
I remember hanging out with her in high school and she was a wonderful person, we had a great class, and everyone knew Claudia.
Prayers for the Dowling and Burzichelli Families.
Picture from Somerville High School, Class of '76
Lori Barist - Hliva
June 11, 2013
June 11, 2013
My sincere condolences to Robert, Corrine and Jackie and to everyone who knew and loved Claudia. I will always remember her smile that was like a shining star.
Charlene Caminade, Lawrenceville, NJ
Marilyn Omabegho
June 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Burzichelli family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Claudia has always been a tower of strength to all of us.I will miss your beautiful smile and great conversations but your memories will always stay with me forever.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Marilyn Omabegho, RWJUH Rad. Onc.
Cathy DeBerry
June 10, 2013
To Corinne & Jackie,
I have looked at this guest book for several days now with a loss for words...I continue to struggle to find the words to convey how truly saddened we all are by your mom's passing. Your mom was and will continue to be one of the strongest women I have ever known and I still can not believe she is no longer with us. Our hearts break for you and your dad. We hope you find comfort in knowing that as she did on Earth, your mom will always be watching over you and one day you will see her again! May God Bless you and Hold you and your dad during these very sad times. Our love always, Cathy & Thad DeBerry
June 10, 2013
Sincere sympathy to the Burzichelli
family. May the God of comfort, bless
you and give you peace now and in
the days to come.
Carmella Morina-Williams
June 10, 2013
To Bobby and family -
So sorry to read of the sad news of Claudia's death. It appears she accomplished so much in her limited time here but I am sure you and your daughters accounted for her greatest joy.
Sincerely
Herbert Turner
June 10, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. Claudia was one of a kind. She will be missed; but leaves of legacy of standing for social justice, equity, and access for all.
Laura McCord Donnelly
June 9, 2013
I had the distinct honor of working with Claudia at the Center for Effective School Practices. Her passion for life, family and education was inspiring. Thank you, Claudia, for believing in me and so many others. I wish your family and friends peace in their memories.
Lorraine Eastman
June 9, 2013
I first met you when you were 12 years old. Your mom, your dad, and I taught together in Bridgewater. You were always bright, beautiful, and loving. You were blessed with many talents and you used them well. We will all miss you.
Lorraine Eastman
June 9, 2013
God Bless you Claudia we will miss you.
The Silvestro's
Judy & Joseph M. Phillips
June 9, 2013
We love you, Claudia! Thank you for all your gifts. I learned so much from you. Your strength and grace inspires me every day. Your love and goodness will continue, and I know you will be with all of us who were honored to know you. God bless you.
Love to your wonderful family,
JB & JMP
Mrs. Martin
June 9, 2013
Dear Family, words cannot express or explain the pain that you must feel at this time. Claudia was a beautiful well accomplished woman who not only was an educator but also shaped the lives of many people. Because of her work, many will have equal opportunity in succeeding in their education. May her beautiful memories comfort you in the days ahead. May you have unending hope in the Bible's promise that she's resting awaiting the Bible's promise as Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out”. (John 5:28) May God comfort and soothe your broken hearts at this time. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Nancy and Chuck Kulbacki
June 9, 2013
Deepest condolences to all at this difficult time..I,myself will think of her and always remember her as a sweet lady whose smile just lit up a room..Rest now sweet lady..u r in HIS caring arms now..Love u guys..cousins Nancy and Chuck Kulbacki
Jenny Anderson
June 9, 2013
Our thoughts our with you during this unfair time. "Dia" was loved by Mia and Aiden from the start - and they are tough! Her generous spirit, gentle yet spunky demeanor, and love of kids, play, family and life are contagious. Love, love, love jenny and James
June 9, 2013
The Lautman/Anderson family will always have a special place in our hearts for Claudia -- a fantastic person and wonderful mother. We hope the future brings much love and peace to each of you, Robert, Corinne and Jackie. You are so loved and Claudia will always be with you.
June 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Burzichelli and Dowling families as they have lost a beautiful, caring woman. RIP Claudia
June 8, 2013
Our hearts are with Bob and the girls. Claudia was a beautiful woman both inside and out. She made such a positive impact on my family that I will forever be grateful for!! Love the Scioscia family
Sharon Karamanol
June 8, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Claudia's passing. I have nothing but fond memories of her, and she is-To this day, and forever will be, one of my favorite "Dance Mom's". Robert, Corinne, and Jackie...While I, and many others are lifting you up in prayer, I pray that you are able to feel the warmth and love that surrounds you all. Every time it thunders, I will imagine that Claudia is dancing until her heart is content. She will be greatly missed!! Our loss here on Earth, is Heaven's glorious gain....Much love, and my sincerest condolences-"Miss Sharon" (former teacher at Gotta Dance) XOXO
Renee, Mike & family Gandet
June 8, 2013
Deepest sympathies to all in the Burzichelli family. May you find peace and comfort in your beautiful memories and loved ones. You are all in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers. Sending you all love, hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
Gail Susik Ribalta
June 8, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Claudia's family. I enjoyed working with her on Regional Educational Laboratory work and sharing memories of being Douglass alumnae and the Shore. She was a very proud Mom and will be remembered.
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