Claudine F. (Fusco) Grande

On January 25, 2025, a beautiful lady left us and entered into the Arms of the Lord. Claudine Fusco Grande, the last child of twelve, born on August 26th, 1937, was the daughter of Salvatore and Angela Cirelli Fusco.  

On August 26, 1973, Claudine entered into marriage with Dominick Grande at St. Anthony’s Church in Herkimer. The two shared 19 years of a loving relationship until his passing on September 10, 1992.

All of Claudine’s brothers and sisters are gone. Brady, Leonard, Orlando, Guerino, Gregory, Adeline, Emma, Arthur, Anthony, Marian, and Olina. Also, many in laws from both the Fusco and Grande families.

Claudine is survived by one brother-in-law, Clark (Ann) Workman of Florida, several nieces, nephews, their families, cousins and special friends. Thanks, Junior, Mary Carol, Mary her college roommate, Terri, and Patti. Also, Brooke and Karen for the hours of devotion to keep her comfortable.

Claudine was quite a diverse individual. She was educated at SUNY Cobleskill and worked twenty years for children with Cerebral Palsy in Utica, then a job she so enjoyed as a waitress at Papa Dom’s in Herkimer and lastly a Herkimer County Legislator for 15 years representing District 1.

Claudine had always had a compassion for life.  Everything she did, she did in a big way. Her sense of always doing was always evident as a child. The loss of her Dad, at two weeks of age and her closeness to her Mom, she always felt she had to help. She was always Ma’s baby girl. If someone was in need, she was there assisting them, family, friends and strangers.  Italian food was another way Claudine sent love to those needing comfort. Her cookies, desserts and endless dishes were continually leaving her door.

If you knew Claudine, she was a character, a “Fusco”. She always told it the way she saw it. She was feisty. As a politician, she wasn’t really a politician. She was the Socialite of our family, the center of attention. Always parties and gatherings. Her compassion for animals had always come from her heart and soul. Countless dogs and cats. We cannot forget her love for the Casino, especially at the gaming tables. Also, her endless shopping calling everything she bought her Treasures. Also, a creative and talented side who loved to draw, craft and make things with her hands.

Faith was an important part of her life. A member of St. Anthony’s and Joseph’s Parish, she was always helping her parishioners. As an honor to Claudine, she was presented and proudly accepted Catholic Charities 2012 Window of Hope Award. With Claudine’s spirit of love, caring, compassion and civic pride, Claudine personified all that faith and community pride exemplifies.

Claudine has had a very storied life with much loss but also much love. Family was always the core of Claudine’s existence. Now she can finally rest and look down upon us with her caring hands.

Family and friends are invited to attend Claudine's graveside service of Friday, May 16, 2025, at 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to Hannaford Markets), 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider St Jude’s Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 and the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 State Highway 5s, Mohawk, NY 13407.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claudine F. (Fusco) Grande, please visit our floral store.