Clara Colonna

Clara Colonna (Ranieri), 94, of Ocean Township passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025. Clara was born to Paul and Anna Ranieri on May 31, 1931 in Mola di Bari, Italy. She was the eldest sibling, followed by her two younger sisters, Mary and Rina, and her younger brother, Nicholas. At the age of four, she immigrated to the United States with her mother and sister. Although the family became American, she maintained a strong sense of Italian identity-speaking Italian, honoring Italian traditions and most importantly, sharing Italian food.

Clara married her late husband, Joseph Colonna in 1949. Together they had two children, Silvester and Petrina, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Clara and Joseph married young, but they built a relationship that lasted their lifetime. She enjoyed her 30 years of work as an executive secretary.

Clara loved spending time with her family, hosting Sunday dinners and playing cards afterwards. Clara's love for cooking, reading and cards continued into her later years, which kept her mind and spirit sharp. At her last birthday party in May, she beat all her grandchildren at her favorite card game. She was a wonderful storyteller and the family is grateful for the knowledge she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Clara is predeceased by her husband, Joe; her daughter, Petrina and siblings, Mary and Nick. In addition to her son, Silvester, Clara is survived by her sister, Rina, grandchildren, Lisa, Daniel, Ashley, Jordan and Joseph, her great-granddaughter, Gianna and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 am Friday, August 22, 2025 at the Fiore-Buckley Funeral Home, 236 Monmouth Road, Oakhurst, Ocean Township followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 am at St. Anselm's Roman Catholic Church, 1022 Wayside Road in Wayside. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.