Claire jo Hakun

Claire Jo Hakun, 93, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Dec. 17, 2025 at her home in The Hamlet at Dirickson Pond, Frankford, DE. Born on Oct. 10, 1932 in south Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank Rocco and Catherine (Perri) Rocco. Claire brought to the world a loving spirit, wonderful sense of humor, and a boundless energy and passion for life.

Her school years began at Francis Scott Key Elementary School, Thomas Jr. High and South Philadelphia High School. Her school years were marked by academic success. She skipped two grades leading to her graduating high school at the age of 16. In addition to her studies, she participated in many activities, with particular interest in theatrical productions. She earned a B. A. degree in chemistry from Temple University, and did further graduate work in English at Temple.

Claire was proud of having had jobs early in her life. During and after high school Claire spent summers in Seaside Park, NJ, working jobs to help finance her college education. She went on to work in the city of Philadelphia as a clinical chemist at Episcopal Hospital and work as a biochemical research associate at Philadelphia General Hospital. Claire's graduate studies in English led naturally to her work in pharmaceutical advertising, starting at Wyeth Laboratories as a medical copywriter. She has been a Licensed Realtor and did free-lance and portrait photography.

Her many interests included music, literature, theater and the fine arts. Claire also had a love of adventure and travel. She traveled across the U.S., explored Peru, going to Machu Picchu and has travelled to Italy numerous times. She has visited other countries in Europe including Spain and has been to Mexico several times (Acapulco, Cozumel and Merida in Yucatan). She travelled in the Caribbean to St. Thomas, Jamaica and St. Maarten/St. Martin. While in St. Thomas, she took brief instruction in scuba diving and then proceeded to swim 85 feet below the surface. She always returned from her trips with exciting stories of her many encounters. Her love of adventure even extended to the kitchen where she and her sister spent many happy hours cooking and laughing together.

She moved to New York City in 1978. Working as a medical copywriter initially for Pfizer, she then did pharmaceutical advertising writing at the Kallir, Philips and Ross medical advertising agency and then finally worked for fourteen years at the William Douglas McAdams medical agency achieving Senior Vice President, Copy Director. She received many pharmaceutical advertising awards for her work. While living in New York, she enjoyed and appreciated its many orchestras, museums and theaters (Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway).

After living in New York City, she retired to Bowie, Md and enjoyed the D.C, Baltimore and Annapolis environment. Being near her grandchildren was a real pleasure for her. She also liked gardening and put in a pond that frogs couldn't resist. Later she moved to Delaware to be near her sister.

In Delaware, she became an early resident of the new community, The Hamlet at Dirickson Pond and became active in the Hamlet Women's Club. In the early days of the Club, she was President for one year and also organized social activities like for July 4th, Oktoberfest and Christmas celebrations.

Claire always loved dogs. She had dogs in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. In her ode to Ami, who was with her in MD and DE, she said "You showed me the true meaning of love".

Claire had long standing interests and skills in interior decoration. Her dining room here in the Hamlet has one wall that makes you feel like you are in Tuscany.

Claire always worked hard and persevered through difficulties, coming up with unique and creative ways to be successful. She brought that same energy to the people in her life. She mentored and championed them always being kind and compassionate. She was always open and present to the lives she touched.

She is survived by her long-time partner, James Searl, her son, Claef Hakun and his wife, Marijane, Claef's father, Joseph Hakun, her grandchildren, Jenna Hakun and her husband, Nick Stawinski, Maxwell Hakun and Luke Hakun. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Britsch Miles and her husband, Jim.

We finally want to thank Griswold Home Care for their caring staff and particularly their caregivers Mary Suarez and Takesha Major and to AccentCare Hospice, as well, for their care and support.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon, PA on January 12, 2026 at 12 noon.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com