Claire A Neuner

Claire Neuner, born on April 9, 1941, in Brooklyn, was raised by Otto and Emily Cavaliere on Christie Heights St. in Leonia, along with her brother Richard. She peacefully passed away in Franklin Lakes on June 2nd, 2023, at the age of 82.

During her formative years, Claire discovered her passion for playing the piano and excelled as the head majorette at Leonia High School. She pursued her education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she focused on Communications, ultimately leading her to working at CBS. There, she had the privilege of working alongside broadcasting legends such as Howard Cosell.

In her leisure time, Claire loved visiting the beach, and it was there that she encountered her husband, Bob Neuner. Their chance meeting occurred when Bob entrusted Claire with his ring while he went for a swim. Together, they embarked on a journey in Teaneck, NJ, where they started their family and were blessed with four children: Kristin, Karen, Robert, and Christopher. In 1973, they settled in Franklin Lakes, where Claire transformed the family living room into a personal haven (i.e., no one was allowed in it), demonstrating her keen eye for interior design. Each summer, the family created cherished memories at “The Smith’s House” on Center Street in Long Beach Island, ultimately acquiring their own home in Holgate in 1987.

As Claire's children grew up and started their own families, she became a devoted grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Kaitlin, Madison, John, Nicole, Christopher, Emily, Bobby, Kelly, Annabel, Gabrielle, Christopher, and Michael. She often took an interest in their love lives, sometimes playfully suggesting the idea of having two boyfriends or girlfriends simultaneously.

Known as Claire to her friends, Mom to her children, and MomMom to her grandchildren, she leaves behind an indelible imprint on their lives. Her daughter Kristin fondly remembers the surprise visit of her daughter Kaitlin to Naples, where Claire was overwhelmed with tears of joy upon seeing her. Robert recalls the profound impact of an out of the ordinary heartfelt note his mother wrote to him on his wedding day, a moment that stirred deep emotions and a sense of profound love and pride which she dismissed (in her own way) when asked and they never spoke about it again. Karen cherishes the support her mother provided when she brought her three children, including baby Christopher, to Long Beach Island, where Claire attentively cared for her youngest grandchild at the time. Christopher fondly remembers his mother's daily ritual of slicing an apple for him before elementary school, meticulously removing the skin and dividing it into equal parts. While some may claim he was spoiled, Christopher recognizes that it stemmed from his mother's unique way of expressing love for her family, as evidenced by her continued endearment of him as her "baby" until the age of 51.

Following the children's departure from home, Claire made Long Beach Island her permanent residence, often taking walks with her friend Joan and attending art classes at the LBI Arts Foundation. Then, one of her proudest moments was being featured as an artist in the Sandpaper, a local publication in Long Beach Island. She adored her magazine subscriptions to Architecture Digest and Home and Garden while HGTV played in the background. Her eye for detail and interior design was often rivaled by her knowledge of the newest cutting-edge health and self-care products. She was the first to believe in several multivitamins, using magnet therapy and applying the latest facial creams while doing water aerobics is how you would find her spending her time.

Claire Neuner's memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She embraced her individuality unapologetically, leaving a lasting impression on those around her. Her sense of humor and direct approach would make anyone who embraced her laugh out loud. Her children, influenced by her teachings, found the freedom to then express their own identities. Rooted in her Italian heritage, Claire's unwavering loyalty to her family was a testament to her character. Her artistic talents, boundless love, and distinctive charm and humor will remain a source of inspiration and bring a smile to the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

We know that Claire has found peace reuniting with her parents and brother. 

The family welcomes friends on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Vander Plaat Funeral Home, in Wyckoff, NJ from 4-8pm and a Funeral Mass will follow on Wednesday at St. John’s Church in Leonia at 10:00am.

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