Clelia Boccia passed away peacefully on December 4th, 2025 in her home. Born on November 3rd, 1934 in Morlupo – a small town outside of Rome, Italy – Clelia was the eldest daughter to Elio and Paolina Viani, followed by her siblings Lisa, Alfredo, and Pina. After the sudden loss of her young father, Clelia worked hard for her household at the early age of fourteen.
A few years later Clelia met the love of her life, as what can only be described as love at first sight. Vincent Boccia, the American who once rode on tanks and tossed candy bars at children in the street, promised to come back for her when the war was over. Just as expected, when WWII ended, the strapping soldier showed up at her doorstep and swept her off her feet. Soon enough, they married at a small church in Rome in May 1953 and headed to New York.
Without speaking the language, Clelia moved to the Bronx with her husband, finding home on the corner of Hughes and 187th Street. Soon enough the newlyweds welcomed their son Anthony into the world in June of 1954. Just before moving to Morris Park, Vinnie and Clelia celebrated the birth of their daughter Olivia in November 1964. Clelia was a devoted mother, and cared deeply for her family both in America and overseas. She loved the joys of being a grandmother to Anthony, Brielle, Christina, Liana, and Amanda. And the blessings continued with her great-grandchildren Anthony, Olivia, Cruz, Hayden, Walker, and Vincent.
Clelia was many things — dedicated wife, beloved mother, loving grandmother and great-grandmother, kind neighbor, loyal sister, and true friend. But above all else, she was a powerful matriarch who will be profoundly missed by those who survive her.
Visiting will be Wednesday from 4-8pm at John Dormi & Sons Funeral Home, 1121 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10am at St. Clare’s Church, 1908 Paulding Avenue, Bronx. Entombment will follow at St. Raymond’s Cemetery, 2600 Lafayette Avenue, Bronx.
