Clara’s Family
Clara’s award-winning cooking isn’t her only accomplishment. Her four children, Michelle, Anthony, Rudy, and Mark, were always at the center of her heart; her husband Rudy Sr., the love of her life. Clara spent her life loving her family, her community, and the world. These photos capture her love of family.
With my love, Rudy
Rudy and me on our wedding day
With Michelle and my brother-in-law John in Arizona
Annaclara, Arturo and Sisi at Annaclara's wedding
Celebrating Turkey Day at Clara’s with Rudy, Dawn and their children
Savoring flavors with my son Mark
Taking a cooking break for a photo with Rudy Sr.
In their younger years, each of my children has worked in the family business
With my beautiful children
With my "4th" Favorite Son, Kenny
My granddaughter Jackie shares my love of baking
Cooking with my granddaughter
In the kitchen with my grandson, Jack
With dear, beautiful Kat, Kenny's wife.
My companion, Stella
This is me enjoying one of my granddaughter Jackie’s desserts. She would personally deliver them to me.
Making one of my favorite roasts.
This is me in the director’s chair with my grandson Arturo. (Who patiently helped Clara test out the recipes for this book.)
This is me in a class photograph
My brother Willy with Mama and Pat at a Quaker Oats event
My mom's autographed headshot
Being on Mama’s float was a thrill
The cameo I made in the middle of the night before our ravioli went into production.
My brothers at an early supermarket pizza demonstration as we grew our business.
Our Indiana mushroom haul, circa 1970! That’s Aunt Marilyn, Mama, and Will
Tony, Willy, me, and Pat in the early days.
My brothers, Will, Tony, and Pat, getting into character for a Lizio Brothers promotional shoot.
My brothers Pat and Willy with me, Triz, in the kitchen. My mother gave us all nicknames!
Rudy and I at the Clara’s bar—two-drink maximum was his rule.
Father David blessing the Clara’s kitchen
Rudy Jr. and I celebrating Clara’s 30th anniversary
Clara’s today
A treasured gift from a customer
Dancing with Rudy Sr and Rudy Jr's wedding
Rudy and me, children of Italian immigrants and proud Americans, voting together
Touring Italy with my brother Will and his wife, Marilyn
A toast with my brother Tony
Enjoying a night out with my brother-in-law John and my brother Tony (“Uncle T”).