Helen M Paciello

Helen M. Paciello of Pearl River, New York, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was 89.

Helen was born on October 25, 1936, in Queens, New York, to Vincenzo and Anna (Locaiolo) Prainito . She was raised in Astoria, Queens, where she later met the love of her life, Martin Paciello. On June 17, 1961, they were married at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Astoria, Queens, and shared 50 devoted years of marriage until Marty’s passing on August 3, 2011.

 Helen lived in Pearl River for the past 50 years, having previously resided in Queens and Long Island. Early on she worked as a bookkeeper and volunteered at schools and libraries. Eventually she became a certified aide for elementary students with special needs and worked at Highview Elementary School in Nanuet, NY. She went on to work for her son’s family business, Helmar Inc. in Chestnut Ridge, New York for over 30 years and continued going into the office everyday even into her 80s.

 Above all else, Helen will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, caregiver and friend. She had a big heart and a gentle way about her that made everyone feel cared for. Her faith was central to her life. She held strong beliefs, trusted deeply in God, and lived with grace and quiet strength.

She was an active and energetic person, enjoying tennis, early morning walks, exercising, and staying busy. She loved keeping up with “her TV shows” and discussing them the next day with whoever else had watched them.  She also loved cooking and took joy in preparing favorite meals and desserts for those she loved.

Helen is survived by her children, Anthony Paciello, Paul Paciello and his wife Debbie, and daughter Lisa Fiore and her husband Chris. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Nicole, Joe, Jessica, Anthony, Devon, Michael, and Tori as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, Jack and Merritt.

Instead of flowers or donations, we ask that you simply try to be kind to someone. The greatest way of honoring Helen’s memory would be the continuation of the kindness that she brought to this world.

Service will be Private 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen M Paciello, please visit our floral store.