Helen (Alfiere) Fontana

Helen Alfiere Fontana, 83, of Orange, formerly of West Haven, entered into eternal rest on May 3, 2020.  She was the wife of the late Richard P. Fontana, Sr. for 54 years. He was the love of her life. She leaves her daughter Donna Fontana-Bennett, her son Richard P. (Stacy) Fontana, Jr., her granddaughters Brooke (Tom) Caponegro and Erika Fontana, great-grandchildren Layla and T.J., her sister Emily Sarro and many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. In addition to her parents, James and Angelina (Bagnano) Alfiere, Helen is predeceased by her brothers, Ralph and James (Junie) Alfiere.

Growing up, Helen was an avid athlete. She was an accomplished swimmer who proudly told stories of how she swam across Long Island Sound. She was always a big supporter of women’s sports and especially loved rooting for the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team with her husband Richie. She never missed a chance to support her children and grandchildren in celebrating their accomplishments, dance recitals, volleyball games, and any other chance to cheer them on. Over the last few years, she especially loved attending girl’s volleyball games at Amity High School, watching her granddaughter Erika and the rest of the Amity team. A dedicated supporter of the team, she affectionately became known to many friends and teammates as “Nana Fontana.”

In her earlier years, Helen worked as a waitress for Morrissey Catering and then later as a sales associate for Anderson Little and in administration/order fulfillment for Zymol. She led an active social life ranging from taking trips to Atlantic City and Mohegan Sun, enjoying Sunday dinners with her family, and spending time with her neighbors. Helen was happiest surrounded by her large circle of family and friends, but enjoyed nothing more than being with her grandchildren. She will be deeply missed.

Due to the current pandemic, all services will be private.  A celebration of Helen’s life will take place as soon as circumstances permit.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yale New Haven Hospital (www.givetoynhh.org)

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