Claire Scalonge

1947 - 2024

Claire Scalonge, formerly Clara Louise Wagner, of Pittston, passed away at home on Saturday night, July 27, 2024.

She was born in Pittston, Sept. 17, 1947, to parents, Margaret Kress Wagner and William A. Wagner, of Pittston. She was the youngest of nine children.

Claire graduated from Pittston High School in 1965. She went on to graduate from Empire Beauty Academy in Wilkes-Barre. Claire worked as a secretary for Ashley Machine & Tool and as a card cutter at Topps Chewing Gum until the plant's closure. Her favorite job of all was raising her three girls, whom she adored. Later on in life she again used her gift of childcare, helping to raise a second generation by caring for her grandchildren.

She was a devoted mother, grandmother and spouse. In 2005, she married John Scalonge, with whom she shared nearly 20 years of marriage. Combined, the two shared seven children and 13 grandchildren.

Claire loved listening to music and taking Sunday drives. She loved Elvis Presley and after a favorite vacation with John to Graceland and Nashville, she became a country music fan. As long as she was around music, she was happy. Claire also loved to decorate, shop and had a keen sense of fashion. She would give anyone the shirt off her back or right out of her closet.

Claire was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Kress Wagner and William A Wagner; and brothers, William F., Charles, Michael and David.

She is survived by her brothers, John, Pittston; and Robert, Gambrills, Md.; sisters, Mary Theresa McHugh, West Pittston; and Peggy Homnick, Sayreville, N.J.; several nieces and nephews; and children, Christine McLaughlin and her husband, James, and children, Maryclare and Seamus; Nadine Dreier, Wyoming, and her husband, Joseph, and children, Cora, Katie and Nick; Heidi Stredny and husband, Aaron, Shavertown; Debbie Lafratte and husband, Tony, Dallas, and their two sons, Christopher and Anthony and wife, Briana; John Jr. Scalonge and wife, Cecile and their two sons, John and Michael, Ohio; Brenda Antonacci and daughter, Angelina, West Pittston; Beth Ann Connor, Dupont, and husband, Jeremy, and their three daughters, Emelia, Anna and Cecilia.

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial were held in Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, 535 N. Main St., Pittston. Interment is private and at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are from Paul F. Leonard Funeral Home, Pittston.

Please make a donation in Claire's name to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507, for whom Claire and family were extremely grateful for their care and support.