This unlikely friendship never gets old.
A 93-year-old woman who has spent years waving and blowing kisses to kids at the Staten Island school across from her home was left speechless last week when graduating fifth graders gave her an unforgettable farewell that’s made the rounds in an touching social media clip.
Claire Moccia was overcome with emotion when she emerged from her house last Wednesday to find the scores of children she has watched grow up lining the street outside PS42R-The Eltingville School for their traditional “clap out” ceremony as they chanted “we love Claire.”
“I love those children from kindergarten to graduation,” Moccia told The Post on Wednesday, adding that she has sat by her front window “every day” for years just so they can wave to each other.
“It keeps me going. I’m 93 years old. That’s how I live – looking out the window.”
Still, the elderly widow said she was blown away by last week’s heartwarming graduation day gesture from the soon-to-be middle schoolers.
Tear-jerking footage posted on the school’s Facebook page captured the exact moment an overwhelmed Moccia had stepped out of her front door and was greeted by the raucous cheers and applause.
“I never expected that,” she told The Post. “I expected them to be waving.”
“I could not believe it. It was so beautiful. I love them all,” she continued.
Moccia’s long-held bond with the youngsters started at some point after her husband suddenly died of a heart attack back in 1996.
Overcome by loneliness, Moccia – who has three grown sons and no grandkids – opted to start sitting by the window so she could watch the students go to and from class.
“Let’s put it this way, after my husband passed, I was very lonely and that’s what I did. I just sat by the window and looked out,” she recalled.
One day, Moccia started waving and never stopped.
“That’s the story of my life,” she said.
In addition to the countless waves, Moccia has handed out cookies, blown kisses and even rendered first aid to the youngsters over the years.
As much as Moccia loves the children, the students, too, have grown fond of their friendly neighbor – including some who now refer to her as “great grandma”
The students even delivered Moccia a huge signed card for her 93rd birthday last September.
“I saved it,” Moccia said. “I told my son when my time comes, you know when you’re in the funeral parlor where you have the flowers, I said that sheet is going to enter my funeral home because the children gave it to me.”
