Henry and Claire Tessandori

Henry Joseph Tessandori, “Hank”, passed away on May 9, 2026 at Sun Towers Retirement Community in Sun City Center, Florida. He was finally reunited with his loving wife of 64 years, Claire Ann Fitzpatrick Tessandori, who predeceased him July 22, 2024. Hank was born June 17, 1934, and raised in the Bronx, NYC, the eldest child of Henry Joseph and Cordelia (Della) Riley Tessandori. Claire was born in Queens, NYC on May 24, 1939, the third child of John and Helena (Bunny) Boylan Fitzpatrick. Hank and Claire are survived by their five children-Joseph, Dolores (Bernard Mike Smith), Paul (Beth), Elizabeth and Gail Marie, their five grandchildren-Onalee, M. Carter and E. Jackson Smith, Lauren Sheehan and Nicholas Lafferty as well as Hank’s youngest sister Mary Babaian.

As a teen Hank attended seminary school before earning his BA degree from St Bonaventure University. He eventually earned his Master’s from the Naval War College in Rhode Island. Following his military service with the US Army he began his career as a military analyst with the Department of Defense and the CIA. He met the love of his life, Claire, at Putnam Lake in New York. They married on October 24,1950 and settled in Virginia. After their 5 children were born Claire returned to school, earning her Associate Degree in Nursing. She was an outstanding nurse for 26 years in both Med/Surg and Psych.

While raising their family, Hank and Claire were active in their church and community. They were foster parents to newborns awaiting adoption. They gave freely of their time and money supporting causes they believed in including Civil Rights, Women’s Rights and assisting underprivileged populations. The family enjoyed many camping trips throughout Virginia and the East Coast. Hank loved music and singing in the church choir. He embraced his heritage and all things Italian, especially the Opera. He was an artist who loved oil painting. His hobbies included reading, playing football-in his younger years-and softball. He was a power homerun hitter and played on a travel team for fun. With five kids running around creating chaos, Claire enjoyed quiet times. She was a wonderful cook and a talented seamstress who also cross-stitched, read and tried her hand at many crafts. Claire loved hosting dinner parties for their wide circle of friends.

In 2001, after many seasons as snowbirds, they retired to Ft Myers, Florida. They became active members of St Columbkille Catholic Church. Claire managed the church’s thrift store for many years while Hank volunteered there getting items ready to display and sell. They also travelled as often as possible touring the United States, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Jerusalem and their favorite, Italy. They lived their lives of faith, family and service to others fully, with passion and devotion. Their children will spread their ashes in two of their favorite places, the ocean and the mountains of Skyline Drive. They will be remembered with love by all who knew them for Hank’s desire was to “always leave them laughing.”