Helen Viola D'Amato

Helen Viola D'Amato, age 95, of Ayer, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025.

Helen was born in Boston on July 18, 1930, to Gregory ‘Harry’ Komarnisky and Ann Bogul Komarnisky, in her family’s apartment. Helen’s parents purchased a farm in East Bridgewater, where she spent her childhood and youth. She helped out and developed a deep love for animals and being outdoors. She excelled at school, particularly in languages; Helen’s teachers noticed her talents and approached her parents to urge them to send Helen for further education after high school. She completed her associate degree in journalism from Boston University.

Helen met Edith D’Amato of Abington on a commuter train, and they began a close friendship. During a visit with Edith in the summer of 1949, she met Edith’s brother, Richard. About a year later, Richard and Helen were married on September 17, 1950. She loved Richard dearly and spent her life creating a home that was orderly and well cared for.

Helen is remembered for gardening and diligently keeping up with the yard work. She had a generous spirit and loved doing things for others. Helen was known to be very protective of her loved ones and demonstrated a spunky and courageous spirit. Helen felt deeply connected to her Ukrainian heritage and understood the trials her parents faced in immigrating to a new country, essentially with just the clothes on their backs. She enjoyed being up to date on the news and current events and held strong opinions on the happenings in the world.

 Helen had a deep love for Jesus and a strong faith. She and Richard grew as Christians when they were a young married couple, participating in their church communities, raising their children in the church, and were committed to serving the Lord together. She read the Bible, participated in Bible studies, and continued to pursue knowing God on a deep and personal level. Helen and Richard were blessed to celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary this September. They raised 4 children. 

Helen leaves behind her husband Richard, her children: Richard D’Amato, Jr., and his partner Margerie Minkin of Sudbury, MA, Anthony and Gail D’Amato of Hudson, MA, Peter and Molly D’Amato of Duncanville, TX, and Suzanne Camilleri of Ayer, MA and her companion Robert Kilgus of Clinton, MA; 9 grandchildren, Anthony D’Amato, Jr., Katie Comarota, Naomi Gillings, Joshua D’Amato, David D’Amato (deceased), Ethan D’Amato, Lindsay Camilleri, Nicholas Camilleri, Evan Camilleri and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Arrangements under the care of the Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton, Massachusetts. 978-486-3709, www.badgerfuneral.com.