Claire Monteleone

Claire M. Monteleone (nee Augustowski), age 88, of Wayne, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 26, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born at home in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Claire enjoyed most of her formative years there. It was in grade school that Claire met Rudy Monteleone, and they became sweethearts during their teenage years. While Claire was planning for marriage, Rudy made his own plans and joined the U.S. Navy. Claire was not discouraged and she waited four years for him to return to her. They were married on June 30, 1956 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by a honeymoon to the Pocono’s. Their marriage was marked by love, enduring loyalty, and profound devotion. Their bond would span nearly seven decades, built on mutual respect, constant support, and a deep affection that was obvious to all who knew them.

Claire was the heart and soul of her family. A devoted mother to her two daughters, she raised them with tireless love, patience, and wise insight that inspires her daughters even today. Claire was their biggest cheerleader, attending every school, athletic, and childhood event she could, always present with quiet encouragement and a warm heart. She was not just a mother, but a lifelong best friend, confidant, and trusted advisor. Her daughters often found themselves asking, “What would mommy do?”—a testament to her sense of fairness, her clarity in complicated circumstances, and her unfailing guidance that could always be trusted. Claire’s emotional strength was among her superpowers. She was strong-willed, wise, and never complained, even in the face of great difficulty. Those who knew her admired her for her grace, her humility, and the calming presence she brought into every situation. She made everyone around her feel proud to be in her company, and her loss will be felt by many.

Travel was one of Claire’s great joys, and she explored the world with wonder and appreciation. Rudy’s employment took them all over the world and she was able to enjoy the beauty of Hawaii to the vibrant streets of Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, to the elegance of Switzerland and France, Claire embraced every destination. Closer to home, she cherished family trips to Woodloch Pines in Pennsylvania, where lasting memories were made summer after summer. Claire also maintained long friendships and left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She was shaped in large part by her loving parents—her mother, saintly and gentle, and her father, strong and resilient—and Claire carried those qualities in balance throughout her life.

Claire Monteleone will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a loyal friend, and a woman of integrity, warmth, and unmatched wisdom. Her life was a living example of kindness, and her memory will continue to guide those who loved her.

Claire is survived by her husband; Rudolph “Rudy” Monteleone of Wayne, their daughters; Karen Palmeri and her husband John of Wayne, and Sharon Maurice and her husband Mike of Glen Rock, five grandchildren; Alicia and her husband Angelo, Domenick and his wife Julia, Alexa, Michael, and Anthony, three great-grandchildren; Anthony, Alania, and Alessia, her sister; Joan Sorce, and sisters-in-law, Carol Cupo (Ronald), and Norma Augustowski, and many nieces and nephews. Claire is predeceased by her brother, Edward Augustowski in 2010.