Fr. Mario Richard Claro, 84, of Franklin, WV, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025 at University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, VA.
He was born September 19, 1940 in New York, NY, a son of the late Mario Gaetano and Margaret Mary (Duffy) Claro.
Fr. Mario, as he was most often referred, attended Immaculate Conception College of Philosophy in Troy, NY and St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY. He also earned a masters in theology with a specialization in liturgy from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. He completed his preparatory studies for the priesthood at Mt. Alvernia Seminary in Wappingers Falls, NY and was ordained June 10, 1967. He previously served at St. Agnes in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Father Claro was incardinated into the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston December 22, 1970. He previously served as associate pastor of St. Paul Parish in Weirton from 1968 to 1970 and St. Anne Parish in Bristol, VA from 1970 to 1972. He became chaplain at Mount Saint Joseph Motherhouse in Wheeling in 1972 and served as chaplain for a time at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling. He returned to Weirton in 1977 to serve as associate pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish. From 1978 to 1983, he was on the faculty at St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary in Vienna, where he also served as dean of students.
Father Claro served as associate director of the diocesan Office of Sacraments, Worship and Spirituality from 1983 to 1988; coordinator of the diocesan Office of Liturgical Practices in 1988; and diocesan coordinator for the diocesan Department of Catholic Education and Formation from 1987 to 1992. He was also regional representative of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions Region 4, consultant for the Diocesan Art and Architecture Commission, and teacher of liturgy coordinator for the Diaconate and Ministries Formation Program.
Additionally, Mario served as rector of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling, WV from 1989 to 1994; pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Morgantown, WV from 1994 to 1998; and pastor of St. Mary Parish in Petersburg, WV and Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Moorefield, WV from 1998 to 2006. Father Claro became pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Franklin, WV in 1998 and served there until his retirement from active ministry.
Fr. Mario had fully adopted Franklin as his home, where he was actively involved in the community. There, he was very supportive of the Pendleton County Ministerial Association and was a favorite of the VFW for their ceremonies. Known for his welcoming nature, humility, and good humor, Mario was an incredibly personable individual who sought to genuinely know and understand those around him. As a priest, Mario will be remembered for taking time during every Mass to welcome visitors, always being available to the faithful, exploring the mysteries of the faith, and his devotion to the Blessed Mother. Overjoyed by children’s presence in church, Mario was delighted by their youthful clamors during Mass (which he often encouraged), likely because he truly recognized children to be the “lifeblood of the church.”
Fr. Mario loved life to the fullest: the thrill of travel, sharing a meal and some fine wine with friends, and caring for his beloved pets. Additionally, he was an avid reader and theological researcher in both trade and hobby to the last. He was an amazing teacher and historian of the faith. His extensive personal library has been left to Saint Leo’s Catholic Church, Inwood, WV.
Simply put, Fr. Mario, ever the Lord’s servant, truly loved God and His people.
He is survived by his brother, Frank Claro of Manchester, NJ; and niece, Kathleen S. Claro of Yonkers, NY; his parish family at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton including the Sasso Family; as well as countless friends.
A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m., Friday, May 16, 2025 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish with Most Rev. Mark E. Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston officiating. Additionally, a committal service and inurnment will be held 3 p.m., Sunday, May 18th in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Franklin, WV with Fr. Arul Anthony officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mario’s name locally to Christian Assistance Network (CAN) P.O. Box 572, Franklin, WV 26807; Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS), P.O. Box 804, Franklin, WV 26807; nationally to Catholic Charities, 2050 Ballenger Ave., Alexandria, VA 22314; Shriners Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394; or any charity dedicated to the protection of animals.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.obaughfuneralhome.com
