Claire (Scala) Barbiero

Claire S. Barbiero, of North Haven, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, York St. Campus. Her loss is completely unexpected, and her family is profoundly saddened. She was the wife of the late Peter D. Barbiero of North Haven.

Born on September 24, 1934 in New Haven, CT, Claire was the daughter of the late Andre F. and Belle (Vegliante) Scala of Hamden. She was predeceased by her first husband, Harlan R. Baldwin of Hamden, CT, brother, Andre F. Scala, Jr., of Cumberland, RI, and son in law, Irving E. Trager of Sandy Hook, CT. Claire leaves behind her devoted daughter, Andrea B. Trager, of Sandy Hook and devoted grandson, Jordan B. Trager of New York City, sister, Linda S. and her husband, Albert E. Mignone of Middletown, CT, sister in law, Angelyn C. Scala of Cumberland, as well as several nieces, a nephew and their families.

A graduate of Hamden High School, Claire attended New Haven State Teachers' College earning both her undergraduate and Master's degree in early education. She taught her entire 37 year career for the Hamden Public School system. She was recognized by the Connecticut State Department of Education for her tremendous dedication, time and effort that she devoted to improving student teacher learning and effective teaching practices. She considered many of her colleagues as her dear friends, and cherished all of her students that she taught. Often, she would be shopping in Hamden and would meet her students and parents who were eager to speak with her of their current lives and accomplishments. She always remembered each student by name and was elated to hear of their success and happiness.

Claire was a devoted parishioner of Ascension Church in Hamden, and was a member of the Legion of Mary. She was a member of the Catholic Charity League of New Haven for many years having also served as a past president. She made many friends at the Madison Beach Club with her first husband and daughter. She also enjoyed playing Mahjong with her dear friends in Hamden throughout the years as well.

After losing her first husband Harlan, Claire found happiness again with Peter, and loved to travel around the world sightseeing and experiencing new destinations. She continued her love of sewing, knitting, and gardening. Her abilities were evident throughout her life and in her homes and her daughter's home. She sewed beautifully, creating rooms filled with talent and love.

Claire loved her family. She was a wonderful caregiver to her father, mother and at one time or another, to all of her aunts. She was a precious daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend who will be dearly missed.

Claire's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, September 27th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. Her funeral cortege will depart the funeral home on Saturday, September 28th at 9:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in St. Rita Church (St. Paul VI Parish), 1620 Whitey Ave., Hamden. Burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Martín de Porres Academy, 208 Columbus Ave., New Haven, CT 06519. washingtonmemorialfh.com

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