Clara M. (Itri) Marcantonio

MARCANTONIO, CLARA M. (Itri) of Walpole formerly of Westwood and Harwichport, passed away on June 20, 2023 at the age of 103. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Joseph F. Marcantonio Sr. Beloved mother of Carol M. Karcher-Wasilunas and her husband Vito S. Wasilunas of Walpole, Joseph F. Marcantonio Jr. and his wife Marcia of Littleton and Sue C. Zafarana and her husband Stephen of Franklin. Sister of 12 late brothers and sisters. Cherished grandmother of Karen Sheppard and her husband Kurt, John Karcher, Christina Marcantonio and Carolyn Marcantonio. Great grandmother of William and his wife Naomi, Thomas and Ryan. Clara came to America as a newborn through Ellis Island in 1919 from a province outside of Naples, Italy. Her family had a deep background in music and art (singers, models, band leaders and clothing designers) and she was always dancing! After graduating from Girl's Trade School in Boston where she studied as a seamstress, she worked in Boston in the Garment District. By 1941, the beginning of the US involvement in WW II, Joesph had joined the Army and in 1942 he, his sister Anntoinette, and Clara began working at MIT on the radar development project. They married in 1943 and started their family in 1944. Clara was involved in many groups and charities over the years including Sons of Italy, Italian Home for Children, Lions Club knights of Columbus. She was also very active at Holy Name Church in West Roxbury, heading up costume design for their annual Minstrel Shows. In the 1960s, both Clara and Joe were knighted by the Head of Italian Council through the Dante Alghieri Socitey for their participation and contributions. Early on Clara had a special talent for making clothes and needlepoint (covering all the family furniture for years!) and tennis (which she plalyed into her 80s). But together, Clara and Joe developed a passion for ballroom dancing, winning several semi-professional awards and stepped their way through decades at the Wychmere Harbor Club in Harwichport. Clara is remembered for so many wonderful things, but especially for her compassion, faith, fortitude and sweetness. Bella Signora! Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023 from 8:30am-10:30am at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home 1248 Washington St. Norwood, MA. A funeral mass will follow the visitation on Friday at 11am at St. Timothy Parish, Norwood, MA. Burial will be at St. Michael's Cemetery, Roslindale, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to the Italian Home for Children 1125 Centre St. Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.