Obituary of Claire M. Mellia

A devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend and faithful Catholic was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Claire was born January 20, 1946 in the Bronx to Edward & Josephine (Murphy)Hake. The youngest of four children, Claire is survived by her three siblings. In 1963, Claire graduated from St. Helena's School and shortly after began working for Bankers Trust Bank on Wall Street. On April 23, 1966 Claire married her best friend, teenage sweetheart and forever love, Dominick Mellia. The two exchanged vows at St. Frances De Chantal in the Bronx and honored the promise until death do us part. Claire and Dominick would have celebrated 53 years of marriage this month. Time spent together, was time well spent. The couple enjoyed relaxing with a cup of coffee at The Quiet Cove "the porch" also known as "their spot". After 52 years, Dominick still brought a cup of coffee to his love every single morning. In 1970, the Mellias moved to Wappingers Falls, where they raised three daughters: Jeanmarie Ruiz Garcia and husband, Froilan, Linda Hiesel and husband, Jay and youngest daughter, Diane Marie Mellia. In 2005 the light of Claire's life, grandson Dominick P. Hiesel "my boy" was born. The bond between grandmother and grandson is everlasting; nothing can match a grandmother's love. Claire was employed by WCSD for 18 years and retired in 2013. She was an avid reader; she especially enjoyed books about the Amish. She also loved a good Hallmark movie and going for walks. Claire will be most remembered for her kind spirit, compassionate nature and her beautiful smile that made the world a little brighter. She had the ability to make anyone feel important and was always full of compliments. Claire took great pride in her appearance and was always perfectly put together; a lady who was truly beautiful from the inside out. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Hospice and the team on SC5 in Vassar Brothers Medical Center for treating Claire with such respect and dignity. We watched the staff fall in love with Claire and treat her as if she was their own family member. The family is eternally grateful. Dearest Claire, Mommy and Grandma: You will be missed beyond measure. It is with honor that we applaud your courage, strength and perseverance, and all find comfort knowing you and Josephine are as one again. Forever in our hearts you will remain. Fly high and proud. Memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.