Clara Goncalves

Clara Goncalves, 83, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in Rahway, New Jersey. She was born on Monday, August 31, 1942, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late Antonio and Emilia Marques. Clara was born and raised in New Jersey alongside her three sisters. She was a graduate of Battin High School in Elizabeth and went on to build a fulfilling career in Human Resources with Sealand in Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. It was during this time that Clara met the love of her life, Anthony. The couple married and began their life together in Avenel, New Jersey, where they lovingly raised their two daughters. Family was always at the heart of Clara's life, and she took great pride in watching her family grow. Once her children were grown, Clara and Anthony relocated to Brick, New Jersey, where they continued to enjoy their life together. Clara had many interests and passions that brought her happiness throughout the years. She loved taking trips to Atlantic City, spending time in her garden, and traveling with her family. Cruises and family vacations created many wonderful memories that Clara treasured dearly. She enjoyed sports and was thrilled to watch the Knicks win this past season.. Above all else, Clara cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who found her greatest joy in the people she loved. She adored her five grandchildren and her great-granddaughter. The memories she created with them will be treasured for generations to come. Clara will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the warmth she brought to those around her, and the countless memories she created with the family who meant everything to her. She will be deeply missed and forever loved. Clara was predeceased by her parents Antonio and Emilia, by her beloved husband Anthony, by her sister Delores Silva and husband Albert, sister Adelia Alves and husband Gabriel, by her brother-in-law Alvaro Goncalves and his wife JoAnn and brother in-law Antonio Sales. Clara is survived by her loving daughters Theresa Abrantes and her husband Manny and Laura Mechkowski and her husband Scott, by her adoring grandchildren Danielle D'Amico and her husband Raymond, Joseph Abrantes and his husband Jeff, Daniel Mechkowski and his wife Alyssa, Anthony Mechkowski and his fiance Ally, and Matthew Mechkowski, by her cherished great-granddaughter Mary Winter Mechkowski, by her caring sister Alda Sales, and by many loving nieces and nephews. A Funeral service will be at 9:30 AM on Saturday at St. Thomas the Apostle located at 1 St Thomas Plaza Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857. Interment will be in Saint Gertrudes Cemetery The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.HegartyScaliaFuneralHome.com

Clara Goncalves

August 31, 1942 - August 8, 2026