Claudia DiGesu
1953 – 2024
Claudia DiGesu, of Pennington, NJ, passed away on March 22nd, 2024, at the age of 70.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Yonkers, Claudia spent 34 years as a resident of Boonton Township, New Jersey, before moving to Pennington. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she received her degree in education, and completed additional coursework towards a masters degree at Wroxton College in England. Claudia’s career began in elementary education, teaching Kindergarten, and later brought her to Rockaway Township Public Schools, where she was a beloved K-8 substitute teacher for many years.
In addition to Claudia’s work in education, she collected a plethora of fascinating achievements throughout her life. In one of her first jobs out of college, she operated computer systems for a bank in Morristown, NJ, back when computers were the size of an entire room and used a now-obsolete programming language. She worked for a luxury men’s clothing boutique in north Jersey, where she helped style many members of the mafia for trials in the late 1980’s. Through painstaking research of public records through the State of New Jersey, she was able to get land near her Boonton Township home preserved under watershed conservation, so that it would remain natural and could not be built upon by developers.
Music was always a big part of Claudia’s life. She grew up playing piano and guitar, and taught music at the JCC’s Pinsly Day Camp in Tarrytown, NY. She loved everything from Debussy to Amy Weinhouse. She was a member of the adult volunteer choir at both Temple B’nai Or in Morristown, NJ, and Shir Ami in Newtown, PA. Both choirs had the opportunity to perform Claudia’s original compositions.
Claudia loved developing the strength of both mind and body, and was an avid practitioner of martial arts. She received her black belt in Seiki Dojo Karate in the 1990s, and was a member of the Lakeland Hills YMCA advanced swim team. She continued to swim recreationally all throughout her life, despite numerous health challenges and back surgeries.
Claudia dedicated decades of her life to helping people whose lives had been affected by having a family member or loved one who struggled with addiction. She spoke at conferences about her work, and was both a guide and friend to many people through trying times. She had an ability to see into people in a unique way, and served as a support system for countless people over the years.
Despite numerous health challenges that she faced throughout her life, Claudia was known for maintaining a positive attitude, and bringing laughter (and sometimes dark humor) wherever she went. She always created an environment where everyone was welcome, and everyone could feel free to be themselves and laugh. She could often be found with her “Friday Night Diner Crew,” laughing until the wee hours of the morning.
In a life that was filled with so many incredible achievements and powerful connections, Claudia’s favorite thing was being a mother and eternal cheerleader to her daughter, Pamela. Pamela will always remember her as the best mom she could have ever asked for in this life.
She will be remembered as a powerful presence by all those who knew her: tough, scrappy, hilarious, supportive, loving, and full of life.
Claudia is survived by her husband Nicholas DiGesu, her daughter Pamela (Michael) Lynde, her brother Jordan (Barbara) Pober, and her grandchildren, Rachel and Willow. She is predeceased by her parents, Irving and Ruth Pober.
Funeral Services are Monday, March 25th at 1:00 pm, at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08618. Burial will follow at Ewing Cemetery.
Shiva will be observed Monday through Thursday evening. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Jewish National Fund (JNF.org), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org), or Congregation Shir Ami in Newtown, PA (ShirAmi.org)
Claudia was one of the best people I ever knew. Her joy and love will live in my heart forever!
I didn’t know Claudia well, but you didn’t have to in order to realize that she was very special. I never knew about all her endeavors and accomplishments but immediately recognized her warmth, intelligence, and humor. Claudia tied all of that together with a forthright and honest approach. She was not a wallflower. I will miss her!
Claudia was an extremely warm and welcoming person. I am sure if she was still with us and a heathy gal she would have many more friends to add to what is a very long list. Always positive and uplifting, I will miss her .
Claudia I will miss very much. When we first met it was an instant friend.
We shared fun times together
She always smiled and was so happy.
She was an amazing lady .she had a beautiful voice .
Her family was her love . Nick and Pam and the granddaughters were her proud and joy .
I will store her memories forever.
An amazing woman… always greeting you with a smile, a cheery voice and a sincere connection. A true gem. Her devotion to her family was never ending. Her generosity to friends was always present even when it was a very difficult time for her. I treasure the time we had as friends and getting to know
such a special person.
Nick and Pamela
So sorry to hear of Claudia passing
remember good times we had years ago.
Claudia was always alt of fun.
She will be missed by many