Irene Bertha Massaro

Irene Clift Massaro, age 92, of Maryville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 18, 2019. She was born on January 9, 1927 in Halesowen, England, United Kingdom. Preceded in death by loving husband of 52 years, Benedict Philip (Brook) Massaro; parents: Owen Clift and Ellen Hillman Clift; in-laws Philip and Ida Massaro; and sister Olga Hackett. Survived by two sons, Phil Massaro and wife Mary of Maryville; Steve Massaro and wife Carol of Maryville. Grandchildren: Bekkah Massaro of Knoxville; Matt Massaro and wife Jenny of Knoxville. Steven Massaro and wife Kathryn of Knoxville; Michael Massaro of Birmingham, Alabama and partner Sarah Reinheimer of Washington, D.C.; and Ethan Massaro of Knoxville; Great-granddaughter Ella Grace Massaro; sister Edna Jones of Halesowen, England, United Kingdom; niece Lorraine Matheson of Indiana, and nephews Robert Jones of Burlington, Ontario, Canada and Paul Hackett of Halesowen, England, United Kingdom. Irene married her loving husband, Brook, while he was serving in the United States Army during World War II in England and in France. They married in Halesowen, England on June 13, 1945 and moved to New York City after the end of the war. They later moved to Ridgefield, Connecticut and raised their two sons. After retirement, they relocated to Maryville to be near their children and grandchildren. Irene worked in the accounting department of Ethan Allen Headquarters in Danbury, Connecticut for many years. Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service honoring Irene with be held Sunday September 22 from 2:30 to 4:30pm at Smith’s Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Irene Bertha Massaro please visit our Sympathy Store.