Five generations mark Clara Leone's birthday

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Special to The Vindicator FIVE GENERATIONS: It was not only the 100th birthday of Clara Leone, seated, but also the 17th birthday of her great-great granddaughter, Lauren Newton, at left, that was celebrated during a party on Sept. 27. Joining the honorees for a five-generation picture are, from left, Deena Newton (Lauren’s mother); Mary Brincko (Deena’s mother); and Josephine Nave (Mary’s mother, and Mrs. Leone’s eldest child).

STRUTHERS — More than 150 family members and friends gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Hall in Youngstown on Sept. 27 to honor Clara Leone of Struthers, who was celebrating her 100th birthday. The invocation was given by the Rev. John Keener of St. Columba Cathedral, where she has been a member for more than 60 years and a former cook.

She was born on Sept. 7, 1909, in Niles, to Rafael and Filomeena Scarnecchia DiCola (later changed to DeCola). Her seven siblings are deceased.

She attended schools in Niles, including Niles McKinley High School.

In 1927 she married Thomas Leone, and they moved to Youngstown. They had six children, Josephine Nave of Akron, Gloria (Frank) Wielbruda of Liberty, Thomas (Jackie) Leone of Poland, the Rev. James (Georgia) Leone of Boardman, Ginger (Steve) Kubala of Poland, and Mary Reigle of Niles.

Her family includes 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

There are now five generations in her family, including the first-born daughter of each generation, Her great-great granddaughter, Lauren Newton, celebrated her 17th birthday on Mrs. Leone’s 100th.

As a young homemaker, Mrs. Leone enjoyed cooking and baking and her doors were always open to her children’s friends. She earned the title of “Mama” because there was always someone extra at the dinner table. Among her specialties were lemon meringue pie, pizza, manicotti and wedding soup.

Her husband died in 1969, and in 1986 she moved to the Struthers Manor Senior High Rise, where she became involved in the council. A former member of the Barrea Club, St. Monica’s Guild, and several senior citizens clubs, she was the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest Woman of the Year in 2004.

A dedicated Cleveland Indians fan, Mrs. Leone, who recalls listening to games on the radio, attended a game on her 87th birthday. Because she is such a loyal fan, the team placed her name on their scoreboard and announced her 100th birthday on TV. She also received congratulatory messages from Katie Couric; Willard Scott; President Obama; the Rev. George Murry, bishop of Youngstown; and Terry Stocker, mayor of Struthers.

She learned to drive at the age of 50, and before her eyesight began to fail, she crocheted and made blankets for friends and family.

Mrs. Leone has a collection of 100 bells from all over the world, including one brought from Italy for her by Bishop Franzetta. She reads the Bible and says her Rosary daily. Her only regret is that she never learned to ride a bike.