Claire D.

DiCicco

Claire Diana (Desmarais) DiCicco, 85, a resident of Hooksett for nearly 60 years, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, November 3, 2026 following a brief illness.

Claire was born in Concord, NH on November 1, 1941, to the late Oscar E. and Diana A. (LeBrun) Desmarais. She attended Sacred Heart School in Concord, and then as a sophomore, entered Concord High School, graduating in 1959.

Claire fondly remembered growing up in Concord surrounded by friends and relatives from her large, extended French Canadian family. One of her favorite activities was ice skating at White Park. Many of the children she skated with remained her lifelong friends.

Claire and her husband, Al, first met in December of 1961 at an outing with mutual friends. They soon fell in love, and Al proposed to her only three months later. They married at Sacred Heart Church in Concord on November 24, 1962, enjoying 63 years together until Al's passing in January of 2026.

Al and Claire enjoyed travelling together, near and far, while Claire meticulously logged details of their adventures into spiral notebooks. One of Claire and Al’s favorite pastimes was taking long drives on the backroads of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region while singing along to music on the radio and on CDs. One of their favorite songs was You're My Best Friend by Don Williams - a simple song, and yet its lyrics perfectly capture their life together.

Claire worked as a secretary for most of her career, beginning with “mothers hours” when her children were young, and then eventually increasing her hours to full time. She began working full time for the State of New Hampshire in 1982. At the time of her retirement in 2003, she was the administrative assistant to the Chairman of the State of New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission.

The skills that made Claire successful in her career carried over to her personal life, as well. She was the driving force behind planning memorable family trips and celebrations. Everyone looked forward to the Christmas Eve gatherings at "Mimi and Papa's House.” “Mimi” was a wonderful grandmother who took a keen interest in each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and Al made a point of attending all special occasions, always encouraging the younger generation and celebrating each of their milestones and accomplishments.

Claire loved people and loved to laugh, often to the point of shedding tears! She always looked for the good in everyone, and not one to seek the spotlight, she instead enjoyed cheering on the people around her.

In addition to her parents, Claire was predeceased by her husband Alphonse “Al” DiCicco; son-in-law, Barry Nelson; sisters, Rita Nichols, Pauline Wimsatt, Marie Bernadette Martel and their husbands. She is survived by her children, Lori (Frank) Clougherty of Manchester, Lisa (Edward) Morgan of Dayton ME, and Benjamin Nelson of Pembroke; brother, Roger (Betty) Desmarais of Bow; grandchildren J.T. (Karen) Compeau, Kerry (Alex) Broulidakis, Stephanie, Kyle and Milly Morgan; great-grandchildren, Will, Max, Eli and Theo, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

For those attending services or planning to send flowers, please note that due to severe chemical allergies within Claire's family, the family respectfully requests that attendees avoid wearing fragrances.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 10AM-11AM at Holy Rosary Parish, 21 Main Street, Hooksett. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11AM. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Claire’s family suggests making a donation, or sponsoring a child, for the New Hampshire State Employees’ Association's “Operation Santa Claus.” Information is available at https://www.operationsantanh.org The Roan Family Funeral Home in Pembroke is assisting the family with arrangements. To share a memory or offer condolences please visit www.roanfamilyfuneral.com