Helen F. Avellino

ALBANY - Helen Florence Avellino,95, of Albany, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026.  Helen was born on August 27, 1930, in Albany to the late William J. and Elizabeth (Houghton) Parady. She was the oldest of two children and survived by sister, Margaret Libby. After graduating from Philip Schuyler High School in 1949, she attended the Royal Academy for cosmetology. She worked as a hairdresser for many years.

She married her high school sweetheart, John Avellino, in 1953. A year later, she welcomed the first of their four children - two girls and two boys. In 1965, she began working for the New York State Office of General Services, where she remained employed until her retirement in 1992.

Helen was a communicant of All Saints Catholic Church, formerly St. Margaret Mary’s, and was a lifetime member of the North Bethlehem Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary.

Helen will be remembered for colorful expressions and unfiltered observations, including sayings such as “She had champagne taste with a beer budget,” and “The grass is greener on the other side - until you get there and find out it is all wilted”. Classic unforgettable Helen-isms.

She loved cooking and baking for her family, and everyone especially enjoyed her Italian cookies and homemade pies. Her favorite times were spent surrounded by family. Helen also cherished many summers at their family camp on Hadlock Pond with family and friends.

Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband John, of 58 years, and her son John, who passed away in a motorcycle accident at the age of 55.  She is survived by her children Karen (Michael) Norris, Susan (Frank III) Pezze and Joseph (Sarah) Avellino and daughter-in-law Colleen (John) Avellino.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren Cheryl Morosko (Kevin), Michael John Norris, Jr (Jessica), Jennifer Rice (Adam), Meghan Fredrick (Keith), Ashley Pezze (Zach), Francesca Pezze, John Francis Avellino (Nicole), Lauren, Julia and Sophia Avellino.  She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren: Nathan, Lucas, Jacob, Abigail, Isabelle, Steven, Avery, Reagan, Tanner, Molly, Samantha, Scarlett, Troy, Henry, Cecillia and step-great-grandchildren Mia and Ryan.

Helen’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany on Thursday, June 4, at 10:30 AM. Calling hours will be held immediately before the Mass from 9:00 to 10:20 AM at the church. The Rite of Committal and interment will take place at The Gerald B.H. Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery at 12:30 PM, located in Schuylerville.

The family thanks and appreciates the very caring staff at Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Helen’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hans Funeral Home. To leave the family a message visit www.HansFuneralHome.com