1919
2018
Helen Jean (Sabo) Garofalo, 98, entered into eternal peace at sunset on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. She was the wife of the late Paul F. Garofalo, Sr.
A lifelong Danbury resident, Helen was the daughter of the late Charles and Elizabeth Benyenski Sabo. She attended and graduated from St. Peter School in Danbury in 1937.
As a young girl, Helen enjoyed ice skating, swimming and boating; she loved to spend time outdoors.
In her early years during WWII, Helen was a telephone operator as well as an employee in the hatting industry and Barden Corp. Inspired by a great sense of style, Helen was the owner and proprietor of Helen's Fashions located on White St. in Danbury.
A lifelong member of St. Peter Church and very active in the Ladies Guild, she was instrumental in establishing a free dental clinic located at St. Peter School. Helen was also an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, and worked to educate others through service and rehabilitation. A lover of animals, she was also a volunteer with D.A.W.S.
Helen enjoyed gardening, entertaining, puzzles, and playing competitive bridge. However; most of all, she loved to be with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren at her Washington Avenue home, where she lived for over 65 years. An avid golfer, Helen was a member of the Ladies Wamego Golf League, Candlewood Valley and Richter Park Ladies Golf Leagues. Oil painting was one of her many passions and her family continues to enjoy her artwork, which they proudly have displayed in their homes.
Besides her husband and parents, Helen was predeceased by her son, Paul (Chip) Garofalo, Jr; and her siblings: Peter, Paul and Joseph Sabo and Mary Knauer. Survivors include her children: James Garofalo and his wife, Kathleen, of Florida and Beth Donofrio of Danbury. Her grandchildren: Gina Dennehy, Anna Nowak, Jennifer Garofalo, Tina Garofalo, Marybeth D'Amico, Elizabeth Donofrio and Emily Donofrio. Her great grandchildren: Gillian, JP, Gabrielle, Ethan, Benjamin, Clara, James, Elemiah and Jeremiah. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am on Friday, Jan. 19, 2018 at St. Peter Church, Danbury. Burial will follow in Wooster Cemetery, Danbury. Friends will be received from 4pm-7pm on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT 06810.
Contributions in Helen's memory may be made to D.A.W.S., 147 Grassy Plain St., Bethel, CT 06801 or to the charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Green Funeral Home - Danbury.
January 19, 2018
Ginny Chiapel
Beth - Sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. It seems she was a well-loved and respected woman. You are lucky to have had such a wonderful mother.
January 18, 2018
Neighbor
Karen
Beth, Omar and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You and your mom were so kind and warm to us, even before we moved in. You became wonderful, cherished friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 18, 2018
Linda Taylor
We were so very sorry to hear of Helen's passing! A great neighbor and friend for more than 30 years. We watched Anna and Gina grow up and get married and have beautiful children of their own. It was always a pleasure talking with her. We both loved our cats! She will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our love and prayers to you all. The Taylors
January 18, 2018
The Finkle Family
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
January 18, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Armando and Mae
January 18, 2018
Mary Ann Simonelli
Beth-Much sympathy and love to you and your family. May the wonderful memories you have of your Mom bring you peace.
Bob and Mary Ann Simonelli
January 18, 2018
jeremiah dennehy
Nanny you will be missed....you were the Matriarch of the Garofalo family! Will never forget the great memories @ 2 washington ave! As you always advised me "Jerry, we do the best that we can" I am a better person and Father because of your amazing wisdom. Thank you...we will never forget you!
Love Jerry
January 18, 2018
jeremiah dennehy
Nanny you will be missed....you were the Matriarch of the Garofalo family! Will never forget the great memories @ 2 washington ave! As you always advised me "Jerry, we do the best that we can" I am a better person and Father because of your amazing wisdom. Thank you...we will never forget you!
Love Jerry
January 18, 2018
January 18, 2018
January 17, 2018
James Garofalo
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOUR FAMILY JAMES
fROM JIM, CAROL AND DONNA
DONNA AND I HOPE TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL FRIDAY
January 17, 2018
Your Buddy Pablo
January 17, 2018
John & Nancy Keane
We are heart broken to hear of Helen's passing. She was such a good friend of the family and have the fondest of memories. Our deepest condolences.
January 17, 2018
Laureen Zelek
To the Garofalo family,
My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. I will always remember your mom as my aunt Helen. She was a beautiful well dignified woman that I looked up to growing up as a child. She will always have a special place in my heart. God bless her.
With fond memories.
January 17, 2018
Dear Beth, I am so sorry to read of the passing away of your lovely mother. You were the best daughter she could ever have and I hope you feel peace in knowing that. Sincerely, Sally Karakula
January 17, 2018
Ed and Ellen Dennehy
Deepest sympathies, your family is in our thoughts. We will always have wonderful memories of a special woman.
January 17, 2018
Susan Baldwin
January 16, 2018
Jeannine Garnett
Sorry for your loss
Jerry and Jeannine Garnett
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