Margaret Mary Avantario

Margaret Mary (Claro) Avantario, affectionately known as “Chickie” by many, formerly of Chappaqua, NY and Highland Beach FL. passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 30, 2025 at Regional Hospice, Danbury, CT. She was 87 years old.

Born February 24, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY, she was the cherished daughter of the late Michael and Mary (DeMatteis) Claro. Margaret attended St. Joseph’s High School in Brooklyn, NY.

Margaret worked as a manager in Corporate Books at New York Telephone later known as NYNEX. After her retirement, she continued to work in the business office at the Dobbs Ferry Schools. Margaret obtained a real estate license which her family joked that she only obtained to save her family and friends from the commission.

Margaret was a woman who made her opinions known and was fierce at protecting and standing up for her family. She had a zest for life and enjoyed shopping and decorating her homes. Her family was most important to her especially, spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family, but her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren. She took pride in their achievements and victories. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends at her Florida home.

Margaret is survived by her children; Lenore Walding and her husband Timothy, Michele Avantario and her husband John Engel and Joseph Avantario and his wife Annie, her grandchildren; Michael and Nicholas Walding, John Engel Jr, Audrey and Joseph Avantario, her siblings; Mary Ferrara and Joseph Claro (Fran), her sister-in-law Carol Claro and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Michael and Anthony.

A memorial Mass will be held at The Church of St. John and St. Mary, 30 Poillon Drive, Chappaqua, NY 10514 on Friday June 6, 2025 at 10:30am. Danbury Memorial Funeral Home (117 South Street, Danbury) assisted the family with a private cremation. Please visit www.danburymemorial.com to send the family condolence

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