Claire Scafa's Obituary
Claire Scafa
Claire Scafa (née Siegel), age 98, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025. A woman of remarkable independence, Claire lived a life defined by family devotion, professional success, and unwavering determination.
Born in the Bronx, New York to Israel "Willy" and Rachel "Rae" (née Ackerman) Siegel, Claire was the youngest of three children. A precocious child, she graduated high school at just 16 years of age and went on to attend City College of New York.
In her early twenties, Claire met Robert Greenberg at the Monkey Bar in New York City. They established their family home in Ardsley, NY, where they raised three children and created cherished memories of summers at Rockaway Beach, vacations to Martha's Vineyard, the sporting life at Scarsdale Bath and Tennis Club and many outings to visit relatives throughout New York City and its suburbs.
Following the conclusion of her first marriage, Claire wed Gino Scafa, in 1971. Together with partner Frank Tornabene, they founded the successful art publishing company Scafa -Tornabene Art Publishing Company. Claire and Gino’s marriage was the anchor and catalyst for their large, extended family. Their home in New City, New York was a vortex of activity and the center of big family gatherings, including 7 daughters, one son and many many Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews and associated friends. The couple retired to Boca Raton, Florida in the late 1980s, though their time together was cut short when Gino passed away in 1990.
Claire demonstrated her strength and resilience as she embraced life as an independent woman. Her adventurous spirit took her across the globe, with travels to Israel, Alaska, Amsterdam, Italy, London, Spain, and Mexico. She divided her time between Florida and visiting family, spending summers with her grandchildren in Columbus, Ohio, enjoying the mountainous Berkshires and Blue Mountains, and urban outings to Montreal and NYC always with family in attendance or nearby. An active member of the Boca Woods Country Club, Claire found joy in golf, tennis, cards, and mah jong. She volunteered for many years at her local hospital thrift shop and attended lectures at the local university. She deeply appreciated beauty and loved watching sunsets over the golf course and admiring the giant banyan tree behind her home. Claire liked to visit Morikami Gardens often accompanied by her daughter, Dee, who lived nearby. She also liked to take short cruises with her daughter Laurie and or her step daughter Gina in attendance.
Claire's fierce independence remained her hallmark, allowing her to live alone in her Boca Woods home until age 98. Only recently did she relocate to senior living in Trinity, FL, where she cherished being closer to her daughter Laurie, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren. Her son Ray provided constant companionship during her final month.
Known for her charm, chutzpah, and generosity, Claire lived life on her own terms. She was a loving and supportive presence for her children and grandchildren throughout their lives.
She was predeceased by her parents, Israel and Rachel Siegel; brother, Morton Siegel; sister, Florence Rabin; husband, Gino Scafa; first husband, Robert Greenberg and step daughters Michele Abels and Teresa Gerstein.
Claire is survived by her children: Laurie Kahn (Howard), Dee Greenberg, Raymond Greenberg, Gina Scafa, MaryAnn Scafa, and Danette Scafa-McConnell; grandchildren: Andrea Kahn (William Kuhns) and William Kahn; great-grandchildren: Aaron and Rachel; and nieces and nephews, who all loved her dearly.
A celebration of life will be held on May 3 from 12 to 2 pm at the home of Laurie Kahn in New Port Richey, Fl. A second celebration will take place at Boca Woods Country Club in Boca Raton, Fl from 2 to 4 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Claire's memory.
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