Clair Matthew Dirienzo

Clair Matthew Dirienzo (December 30, 1933– November 26, 2025)

Clair Dirienzo, age 91, of Madison, passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice on November 26, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Clair was born in Madison, WI to Vincent and Elizabeth (Elsie) Dirienzo along with his identical twin brother, Charles (Charlie). They grew up on Monroe Street with their older brother and sister, Vincent (Vince) and Rosemary.

Clair graduated from Madison West High School, where he met his future bride, Mary Engelhart. Clair and his brother Charlie joined the US Navy in 1952, and were stationed in Hawaii as airplane mechanics. On June 11, 1955 Clair and Mary were married in a double wedding with his twin, Charlie, and Shirley, Mary’s sister. The two couples raised their families together living side by side in a duplex they built, creating a lasting, unique bond and one large happy family.

In 1960, Clair and Charlie joined the Madison Fire Department. Clair had a successful and fulfilling career. Rising through the fire department ranks, Clair’s career culminated in his promotion to Fire Marshal (Chief Inspector/Chief Investigator), retiring as Deputy Chief of Prevention and Investigations. Despite his busy career, Clair found time to pursue a home building business and ownership of a liquor store with his brother Charlie. His free time was devoted to his family building memories. Especially memorable was time spent with his family at his parents’ cottage on Lake Mendota. Clair remained the ever devoted and supportive father.

Clair’s faith was an integral part of his life. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas since 1960, and regularly attended morning and weekend mass. Clair was driven by a caring personality, generously donating to numerous causes and volunteering for many organizations. After retiring, he and Mary moved to Sun City Center, FL where he enjoyed his passion for golfing, while continuing his commitment to serving others as a volunteer in multiple organizations.

Clair is survived by his children Diana (John) Kropac; David (Lynne) Dirienzo; Dawn (Vernon) Green; as well as his adoring grandchildren and great grandchildren; along with his cherished nieces and nephews, and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; sons, Daniel and Douglas; granddaughter Christina; his parents Vincent and Elizabeth; brothers Charlie and Vince; sister Rosemary; and mother- and father-in-law, Lorena and Herbert Engelhart.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the following: Second Harvest Food Pantry, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Our family would like to thank the Agrace Hospice care team for their professional and compassionate care, and Clair’s dear companion, Josephine (Jo) Vanover, for her undying love and support over the years. Jo has been a blessing to Dad and our family.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on St. Thomas Aquinas YouTube Channel: 

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church YouTube Channel

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434