HELEN DeCARBO

DeCARBO
HELEN
Helen DeCarbo passed away peacefully on Sunday the fourth of March surrounded by her family, at the age of 97. Helen was born on April 11, 1920 to the late Michael and Mary (Cangey) Lambiase. She married Joseph Anthony DeCarbo on January 1, 1940 and he preceded her in death on February 16, 1987. Helen, who dazzled friends, family, and audiences with her beautiful singing voice throughout her life, started singing at a very young age. At age 17, she hosted her own radio show on WKST. In later years, she sang with the highly regarded Hal Curtis Orchestra, which gained recognition by the National Association of Ballroom Orchestras. Their venues, often broadcasted live, spanned the tri-state area and included the Fox Chapel, Youghiogheny, Sewickley, Monongahela country clubs, the Cathedral of Learning, Horizon Room, Vogue Terrace, William Penn Ballroom and Royal Ballroom of Webster Hall, West View, Idora, Rock Springs and Cascade Parks and the highly-coveted SunnyBrook Ballroom in Pottstown, among many others. Helen was invited to the Arthur Godfrey Show, lauded by Post-Gazette critic Harold V. Cohen, and was accepted to sing with the famed Sammy Kaye Orchestra. As an individual, she was requested to sing at many local business functions, civic clubs, and charitable events, and was frequently called out from the crowd to sing. She will be remembered for her fiery spirit, selflessness, loving heart, and quick wit which always kept her family laughing. Helen was a 600 Club bowler, enjoyed line-dancing, and cooking and baking for her family. She was caretaker of her beloved late husband in illness, for a decade. In later years, she enjoyed volunteering, cooking and baking for her church, and spending time with family and dear brother Frank. Helen, was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, grandmother, and great- grandmother. In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Eugene Lambiase; and sisters, Viola Criscito, Josephine Leban, Virginia Occhibone, and Irene Tempesta. She is survived by her daughters, Joyce (Paul) Petro and Karen (Dr. Christopher) Hughes; brother, Frank Lambiase; sister, Delores Stull; grandchildren, Kara (Jason) Montgomery, Erika (Dr. Zachary) Roeder, Meredith Hughes, and Christian Hughes; and great- grandchildren, Gracie, Landon, and Luke Montgomery; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Friday, March 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at ED AND DON DECARBO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 3000 Wilmington Road, New Castle, PA followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Vitus Church, officiated by Father William Siple. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Mausoleum. Online condolences may be offered to the family at:
decarbofuneralhome.com