New York City’s Graduating Fifth Graders Cheer on Their 93-Year-Old Neighbor

This extraordinary friendship never gets old.

The 93-year-old woman, who for years waved and blew kisses to children at the Staten Island school across from her home, was speechless last week as her fifth-grade class gave her an unforgettable send-off that has now gone viral on social media thanks to a touching clip.

Claire Moccia was overcome with emotion when she stepped outside her home last Wednesday and saw dozens of children she saw growing up lining the street in front of PS42R-The Eltingville School, taking part in the traditional “clap” ceremony, chanting “we love Claire.”

“I love these kids from kindergarten to graduation,” Moccia told The Post on Wednesday, adding that for years she has sat by the window “every day” so they can wave to each other.

“This is what drives me. I’m 93 years old. This is how I live – looking out the window.”

Nevertheless, the elderly widow admitted that she was impressed by the touching gesture made to her by the future high school students during their graduation ceremony.

A touching video posted on the school’s Facebook page captured the exact moment an overwhelmed Moccia walked through the front door and was greeted with thunderous cheers and applause.

“I never expected this,” she told The Post. “I expected them to wave.”

“I couldn’t believe it. It was so beautiful. I love them all,” she continued.

Moccia’s long-lasting bond with her children began to grow after her husband unexpectedly died of a heart attack in 1996.

Overwhelmed by loneliness, Moccia, who has three adult sons and no grandchildren, decided to sit by the window so she could watch students go to and from classes.

“Let’s put it this way: After my husband died, I was very lonely, and that’s what I did. I just sat by the window and watched,” she recalled.

One day Moccia started waving and didn’t stop.

“This is the story of my life,” she said.

In addition to the countless waves, Moccia has handed out cookies, blown kisses, and even provided first aid to little ones over the years.

Although Moccia loves children, the students have also grown fond of their friendly neighbor – some of them now call her “great-grandma.”

Last September, students presented Moccia with a large, signed card to celebrate her 93rd birthday.

“I kept it,” Moccia said. “I told my son that when my time comes, you know, when you’re at the funeral home where you have flowers, I said that card goes to my funeral home because my kids gave it to me.”