Daniele Clara

On August 14th, 2020, we lost our father, Daniele Clara; a true entrepreneur, a Nonno and a friend.

Danny was born in Flagogna, Friuli, Italy, on August 24th, 1944. Like so many, he was born into a time of chaos and conflict, and like so many, he ended up traveling half a world away to build a new life in a new country.

Arriving in the East End “con le tasche vuote” (with empty pockets), it did not take him long to start a small painting business, working out of the basement with our mother, Daniela. From those humble beginnings came three children and a burgeoning business that would become Clara Industrial Services Limited, and grow to a size and scope no one but Danny could have envisioned. As well, he was involved in numerous other local businesses, with many of his friends.

Danny was a firm believer in the Community, supporting numerous local charities and organizations. He was especially proud of his involvement with the Da Vinci Centre, where he was part of the founding building committee and later served as President, as well as his efforts and support towards the construction of St. Dominic’s Church.

Conflict and struggle were no strangers to Danny; he fought and he rallied and he persevered, and never stepped back from a challenge. Those who knew him well understood that there was no quit in that man. While fiery in temper and often truculent in his disposition, he was also quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness in kind. He loved to have fun and he loved to be with people. He possessed a smile to remember and a lightspeed, acerbic wit.

Once smitten by a new activity, he did what he could to master it, despite the frustrations. Clearly, enjoyment was not the primary goal for Danny, as the real pleasure was found in the struggle along the way and the belief that he could do almost anything he set his mind to.

In his life, Danny developed a passion for many hobbies – golf, cards, fishing, hunting, gardening, traveling, fine wines – but he had a special love for Classical music. His knowledge of Opera was encyclopedic.

Far too early on in his life, it became apparent that his health was deteriorating, so he chose at that time to turn his attention towards life outside of the day to day operations, which meant switching focus to his abundant diversions, still running with the energy reminiscent of the much younger man who chose to take on the world back some 40 years earlier.

Around this time, his family provided him with a new source of joy – his four wonderful grandchildren – to visit with, read to, take for ice cream, pick raspberries with and just to be there for them whenever he could.

He traveled most every continent, enjoyed countless adventures, and made sure that he shared those times with his friends and family, whether in Maui, South Texas, the Amazon River or Dog River. One of his last trips was to see his beloved Friuli one more time.

Over time, a steady decline of his capabilities took away all of the passions that he had striven for, and the fog of his illness took hold and never relented.

Dementia is a disease that often takes a loved one all too slowly, along the way robbing them of their faculties and their dignity and ultimately their life. While difficult to witness for all who once knew the man as he was, he was hardwired to fight his way to the end, with all that he had in him.

During his illness, Danny was supported by many caregivers and friends, with special thanks to Salome Serra, Karen Serra, Aiai Graham, Ron Falvo and Francis Gaudino, along with the wonderful people at Pioneer Ridge and Nurse Next Door.

He leaves behind three children, Marco (Dana), David (Nicole) and Monica, along with his four grandchildren Matthew, Zoe, Benjamin and Lily.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private service will be held for Danny.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Danny Clara Legacy Fund, c/o the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.

MANDI DANIELE!

Daniele Clara will be remembered in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 13, 2021.