Claire Vecchio Reichel, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family following a brief but aggressive illness, on August 3, 2026.

Born and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, Claire was the beloved daughter of Peter and Jennie Vecchio, who predeceased her. She shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, James Reichel. They were inseparable and cared for one another through every season of life. They were true partners, facing each adventure and every challenge side by side. Claire is also survived by her loving siblings, Dianna Vecchio and Peter Vecchio, and her niece, Kennedy Munz, who loved her beyond measure and will forever feel the space she leaves behind.

Claire graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering, a profession that reflected her intelligence and determination. While at Stevens, Claire was a proud member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, a sisterhood she remained deeply connected to throughout her life. Although she wasn't what most people would picture when they thought of a "sorority girl," the friendships she formed there became some of the most meaningful of her life.

A gifted athlete from an early age, Claire attended Hoboken High School where she distinguished herself as one of the school's most accomplished athletes. She earned more varsity letters in a single academic year than any student in the school's history, a record she continued to hold. A standout tennis player in both high school and college, Claire inherited her father's extraordinary athletic ability, a gift they shared and one that remained part of her identity throughout her life.

At the age of 50, when many people begin slowing down, Claire took on a new challenge and became an avid runner. It was characteristic of the way she lived her life. She was always willing to learn something new and prove that it was never too late to begin again. Through running she built lasting friendships and a close-knit community that became family. She loved being outdoors, embraced every opportunity for adventure, and inspired those around her simply by showing what was possible at every stage of life.

Claire also had a deep appreciation for food, travel, and her Italian heritage. She delighted in embracing the traditions of her family. Proud of her roots, she was enthusiastically learning to speak Italian, even changing the keyboard on her phone to Italian so she could immerse herself in the language every day. It was a perfect reflection of exactly who she was.

Her family will forever cherish the example she set and the memories she created. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the friendships she nurtured, and the love she shared.

A celebration of Claire's life will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00am at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and again on Friday morning from 10:00am to 11:00am at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claire's memory to support the trails where she found so much joy (https://www.wcpa-nj.com/join).

Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.