Claudia Jean Hass Franyutti's Obituary
Claudia Jean Hass Franyutti passed away peacefully at home on May 30, 2025, at 73 years old after a long illness. She enjoyed a full life, born on September 5, 1951, in Oklahoma City to Leatrice Joy (née Richerson) and Hugh Harrison Hass. Claudia lived a colorful life as She graduated from Nathan Hill High School in 1969 then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma; where She was a proud member of the Delta Gamma sorority. She later completed a master's degree at Wichita State University and started working on her PhD at Duquesne in Pittsburgh.
On December 22,1983, she married Sergio Franyutti in the frigid winter with a festive wedding in Tulsa. Her son, the light of her life, John Harrison Franyutti, was born in Tulsa in 1985. Together they traveled the world living in Brazil, Germany, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and most recently Michigan. Their family of three remained close throughout Claudia's life, which brought her great peace and joy. Out of all her accomplishments in life, Claudia was most proud to be John's mom, raising him to be kind, worldly, and driven.
Claudia was a lifelong learner and educator. She was fluent in several languages, always eager to explore new places, learn new things, and share her wisdom. Her lasting impact on her students' lives led them to keep in touch with her through cards and letters, even decades later. Claudia's philanthropic endeavors included working with the Junior League of Pittsburgh, which named her Leaguer of the Year in 1998. Family was at the center of her life, both her immediate and extended family. As a cherished gift to her family, she researched her family genealogy and published the “Hass Heritage” book, which is now available in libraries across the country.
She adored children and family including her nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews, for whom she never missed a birthday. They will remember her generosity and cheerful text messages filled with emojis. Claudia was also an avid dog lover who owned many dogs throughout her life, including her latest pup, Jelly Bean. She enjoyed sharing dog stories and pictures with her family and many friends both here and abroad.
Claudia was proceeded in death by her parents, her sister, Donna K. Nix; her nephews, Benjamin Hass and Steven Hugh English; her aunt and uncle, Betty and Bill Richerson; her aunt, Colleen Bennett; and her cousins, Bill McCawley and Jay McCawley.
Claudia loved deeply and was cherished by many. She is survived by her loving husband and caregiver, Sergio; her son John and his fiancé Jaclyn Gaule of Detroit, Michigan; her brother Ron Hass (Mary) of Claremore, Oklahoma, and their family; her sister Jamie English (Steve) of Kansas City, Kansas, and their family; and her cousin Candice Richerson of Durango, Colorado, and her family.
In her memory we ask that you consider donating to a charity that supports children, education, or dogs.
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