Clara Helen Lomangino

Clara Helen Lomangino passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 108 on June 4, 2023. Clara was a woman small in stature but with a larger-than-life footprint. She was born in Brockway, Pennsylvania to parents Joseph Matrisciano and Mary Riboldi in1915. As an adolescent and later an adult, Clara lived through some difficult times during the Great Depression and World War II. Her generation was later recognized as The Greatest Generation. Following a 7-year courtship with Fred O. Lomangino, the courple married. Here she carved out an additional role for herself as wife and mother, caring for the home she shared with her husband and children, Fred and Carol,- first in Brooklyn and later Freeport, Long Island. She entered the workforce during the 1950s when only a small percentage of married women were seeking employment. She was first employed as a switchboard operator for the NY Telephone Company in Freeport, NY, and subsequently in 1960 found employment at the Long Island Trust Bank in Garden City, NY, where she became a head teller and supervisor. During these working years, Clara always made sure she was home in time to prepare dinner for her family. After retirement, she volunteered at South Nassau Hospital as a hospital aide, even though it meant paying for her own uniform and follow a rigorous work schedule. She also found time to be involved in her community, joining the secretarial staff of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce. And in her spare time, her hands have crafted Afghans, bedspreads, woolen hats and scarves, elegant shawls and baby gifts - and according to her son, she was the world’s best soup maker. Although born in the early part of the 19th Century, she was still a relevant citizen of the 21st Century in large part due to her unwavering dedication to keeping herself educated and informed of current events. As the go-to-family person for anniversaries and birth dates, her exceptional memory was unmatched. Her cognitive skills endured for 108 years, which was a blessing for us all! Survived by: Son Fred Lomangino & Karla Lomangino; Grandson Stephen Sparaco; Grandson Lee Sparaco & JoAnne Sparaco; Great-Grandchildren: Gina, Elena, and Joseph; and many nieces and nephews Predecesed by her daughter Carol Sparaco (Lee Sparaco, Sr.), Sister Rose De Leon (Philip De Leon), and Sister Ida Harte (Bill Harte) A repass luncheon will be provided following the services at the cemetery. Details will be provided at that time.

Clara Helen Lomangino

March 28, 1915 - June 4, 2023