Claude passed on February 11, 2021, in Webster, New York, after a brief illness from leukemia.
He was born in Tunis, Tunisia, on January 11, 1943, to his Italian parents, Joe and Marie Fedele, who later immigrated to New York City. Claude was raised in Harlem and Long Island before leaving to attend Rochester Institute of Technology, where he studied photo science. He dedicated his life to optics and worked at Elgeet Optical Company, Patrick Air Force Base, and Ilex. In 1975, Claude became partner and Vice President of Quality Assurance at JML Optical Industries in Rochester, NY. He, along with his partners worked together to build a highly successful and respected company. He retired in 2000.
Claude is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lenore, his three children Dean (spouse Gosia), Donna (spouse John), and Cherie, his grandchildren Taylor, Aspen, Ashley, A.J., Claudine, and Natalie, his brother, Don (spouse Jody), sister-in-law, Sherri, brother by another mother, Jerry, aunt, Carol, as well as nieces, nephews and many other family and friends.
You may not have known Claude, but you know he made your life better if you did. His friends, family, and even strangers could not escape his warmth, generosity, and willingness to lend a helping hand. Claude’s smile immediately endeared you to him and was a direct reflection of the incredible joy he felt for his life. In our grief, we are shaken by the totality of what he accomplished. His teaching and continuous learning made him a business success. However, we are only beginning to realize his legacy through the many lessons he taught us. It was a blessing for us to know him, love him, and be loved by him.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My friend Cherie is about the best friend a person could have. Her father was most definitely a wonderful man to have raised such a fine person. May your family find comfort in the love and memories that will always be with you. God Bless and grant you peace. Sincerely; Lisamarie Viggiani and daughters Karen and Danielle King
Claude was the glue that kept our family together – he always kept in touch and was a joy to be with. He loved Lenore and his family with all his heart – we will all miss him terribly RIP 🙏 Aunt Carol💕
Toute la famille française a été très tristement touché de la grande perte d’un homme tel que Claude, de sa très grande gentillesse et de toutes les qualités dont nous nous souviendront . Nos pensées d’amour vous accompagnent. Love.
Dear Lenore and Family, I just learned of Claude’s passing. I send my love and condolences to all of you. He was larger than life in his kindness and good will toward all and, of course, his unending love for his family. May you be comforted by the all of the happy memories you share of him.
Love, Mary Ann Nazzaro
Dear Lenore and Family, Maryann Nazzaro informed us of Claude’s passing. We are truly saddened and send our condolences to all of you. Claude was a true friend to my brother Alfonso. Claude was a frequent guest at our home for dinner and we loved his friendship. Last time we saw you and Claude was at the outdoor Fairport market on a Saturday morning a couple of years ago. Italo and I also remember the wonderful luncheon you hosted at your Hollywood Condo in Florida. We met his wonderful father who loved to speak Italian. These memories are truly cherished. We will never forget this handsome, kind and a true friend to the Nazzaro Family. He loved his wife Lenore and family so much.
Love, Italo & Lena Malatesta
I’m so sorry to hear this ,what a wonderful man.My father loved him for his concern and kindness.I remember him speaking French with me when I moved to Canada.
Dad passed a year ago so I’m sure they are heaven catching up.Fond memories to you Lenore and your family.
Melissa Morio
I just now learned of Claude’s passing and I am sorry for your loss. I not only worked for Claude in the early 80’s, he also inspired me to be the best that I can be. Claude was my inspiration to further my knowledge at the workplace and to further my education. I then left to obtain an engineering degree out of state. After graduating, I interviewed for a position as an engineer at Martin Marietta in Orlando Florida. This was a job I very much wanted and I was nervous about my full day interview. Claude somehow knew I was to be interviewed and knew the engineering managers I interviewed with. Upon meeting with the first engineering manager I was told to not be nervous because Clade vouched for me and I already had the job. Claude had so much of a strong reputation that everyone took his word for it. I felt honored that he vouched for me and my career took off ever since. His kind heartedness and brilliant presence and smile will be sorely missed.