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.