Clare R Coombs

Clare R. Coombs, 82, of DeBary, Florida, and formerly of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., died on February 17, after a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, James E.; daughter Mimi (John) Costa, of Sanford, Florida; son James M. of Panama City Beach, Florida; son John H. of Washington, D.C.; grandchildren Mary Clare (Molly), James, and Anna Costa; her brother, Richard Rosenberg, of Sabattus, Maine; and several aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Clare was a devoted wife and mother who dedicated herself to helping others, and who never met a stranger. She passionately loved her grandchildren, friends, and community. She enriched the lives of everyone she encountered. Clare Anita Ricciardi was born July 11, 1940, in Albany, N.Y., the daughter of Michael and Louise (Farinacci) Ricciardi. She attended the Academy of the Holy Names, and the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, both in Albany, where she became a Registered Nurse. Clare received her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College in Maine, and a Master of Public Health degree from SUNY New Paltz. She married Jim, to whom she was introduced by a mutual friend, in 1964. The couple moved to Poughkeepsie and joined Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, where they remained active. Clare worked for Vassar Brothers Memorial Hospital followed by the Dutchess County Department of Mental Hygiene, where she held multiple positions in a career that spanned decades. Clare served as a nurse in the Methadone Clinic before becoming unit administrator, nursing supervisor for the Department, and unit administrator of the Clinic for the Multi-Disabled. She was the administrator for contracted services upon her retirement from the County. Clare also held positions at the Dutchess County Jail medical unit, and several nursing homes and care facilities in the Hudson Valley. Clare and Jim moved to DeBary, Florida, in 2003. In Volusia County, Clare worked for several years for Duvall Group Homes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 23, 11 a.m., at All Souls Catholic Church Chapel, 800 S. Oak Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771. Interment will follow in a separate service in Poughkeepsie, details to be determined. Flowers or memorial gift c/o DeGusipe Funeral Home, Sanford. Donations in lieu of flowers, c/o All Souls Catholic School, Sanford, in Clare Coombs’s name.

Clare R Coombs

July 11, 1940 - February 17, 2023