Helen (Alexander) Campagnolo

Ithaca - Helen (Alexander) Campagnolo, age 92, of Ithaca, passed away Thursday evening, January 21, 2021 at Cayuga Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Benny Campagnolo, just 3 days earlier.

Helen was born September 20, 1928, at home in Syracuse, NY, a daughter of the late Attilio and Mary Alexander. She was a graduate of Ithaca High School and worked at Abbott's grocery store, the Gas & Electric (NYSEG), Tompkins Trust Company and Cornell University in the college of architecture. She married Benny Campagnolo in 1954 in Ithaca, NY and started her own family, welcoming children Diana and Mark. Helen was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Church and looked forward to Sunday mass not only for the worship, but the friendship as well. Helen's other house of worship was Wegmans, where you could find her most days of the week shopping and socializing.

It was always a privilege to be at Helen's kitchen table. Whether enjoying her incredible, never-ending Sunday dinners, or surrounded by her dearest friends on Thursday nights laughing and sipping coffee, Helen never wanted anyone to leave.

Helen lived simply and with great zest, savoring every moment of life with her family she loved and dear friends she adored. Her strong faith in God guided her life and she was the true embodiment of Mother Theresa's words:

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

To know Helen was to feel loved and that is her greatest legacy.

In addition to her parents, Helen was predeceased by her brother, Domenic Alexander, and sister, Rita (Orlando) Cerasaro.

Helen is survived by her daughter Diana (Tony) Zannella, son Mark (Kristin) Campagnolo, grandchildren Daniel Zannella, David (Kate) Zannella, Michael Zannella, Anna Campagnolo and Mia Campagnolo, great-grandchildren, Asa, Antonio, Milo, Ainslie and Addie, sister-in-law Mary Alexander, brother-in-law Remo (Maria) Campagnolo. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday January 27th 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva St., Ithaca, NY. To honor her memory, the family requests donations to Hospicare in Ithaca or Immaculate Conception Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ithaca Journal from Jan. 25 to Jan. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Campagnolo

Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.

32 Entries

Louis DeMascole

September 14, 2021

My deepest sympathy to you both and your families.
Helen was my cousin. Her mom was my fathers sister. We spent many holidays together in Syracuse and visited Ithaca often. I always remember her in a special way. I lost my brother Guy this past December. The two of them kept in touch. It´s sad to loose a mom at any age. Best wishes

Ada Lee

Anthony Lee

September 13, 2021

My mother Ada Lee passed on February 7 2021 . She is now in heaven with here two lovely friend.

Rosa and Alex Dratsch

February 5, 2021

Dear Diana and Tony,

We are so saddened to learn of the sudden loss of both of your loving parents.
I am so glad I got to meet them both.
I will always remember our visits with your mother, her sense of humor and her welcoming giant smile. She was so much fun to be with. It was a privilege to have known her. She shines through you, Diana. Our prayers are with you and your family for endurance during this most difficult time.

Sending Much Love from our family to your entire family.

Rosa (Guadagnano) Dratsch

Jessica Bellinder

February 4, 2021

Diana & Mark - I'm so sorry for your loss. Your parents were such wonderful neighbors to us on Corn Street for the decades that we lived in your grandmother's old house. Your mom looked out for my mom after I left home in a way that I will always appreciate. My mom loved being able to provide Helen with the plants and gardening services to keep her in basil and tomatoes every summer. I will miss our chats to catch up when I came home, and I will miss her stories about Ithaca, the neighborhood and the family. She will be greatly missed, but she lived her life well. All the best -

Louis SeMascole

February 2, 2021

She was full of life. Always putting family first. What I can remember is always having a smile on her face welcoming everyone.

Zack Nelson

February 2, 2021

Helen was a longtime member of the GIAC Senior Program. She was always congenial and pleasure to have join our programs. Condolences to her family and friends.

Ada Lee

February 1, 2021

My mother was friends with these lovely people in the early 1950s . She came from Italy to send money back to her family. Over the years my mother Ada Lee kept in touch with them and even went to visit then in the early 1980s. She called them every year and I found out they moved from their home to a nursing home last year . My mom is 93 and used to tell me about these lovely people.

Bonnie Whitney

January 29, 2021

I did not know Helen but I wish I had. She sounds like a wonderful person and role model, a true friend and someone this world today needs more of. Children and other family members feel proud I know you must be deeply saddened. I am too at this moment for your loss and the loss of your father

Patricia Natali

January 28, 2021

So sorry to hear the loss of a very lovely lady . My condolences to family .

Patricia Natali ( Dave )

Diana McCray

January 27, 2021

Diana, Mark and family I remember when your family lived on Auburn St and I was your neighbor. Your mom and dad were the nicest and sweetest couple. They will be missed.

Eddie Ciaschi

January 26, 2021

Mark and Diane, you Mom and Dad were very special people. I grew up on the Northside of Ithaca and was acquainted with your entire family. I also worked with your mother at the Trust Company for 5 summers during college. We had many laughs and long conversations each summer. Laughs took on new meaning. Your mother was kind, loving and for me, always encouraging . RIP Benny and Helen!!
Eddie Ciaschi

Kathleen Rourke

January 26, 2021

I used to bring the Eucharist to Helen and Benny at Beechtree before COVID hit. It was always a delight to visit with Helen and to share her deep faith and love for her family. I will miss her. With my deepest sympathy to her family and friends. “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” ~Helen Keller

Mayra Arroyo

January 26, 2021

Helen was an Angel. Always made me feel welcomed always received me with hug and a smile, it was a pleasure talking to her every time I did. Helen always asked me how I was doing, held my hands and asked about my family. I will always remember such a great person

Mayra Arroyo

January 26, 2021

Betsy Taber Magre

January 26, 2021

How fitting that this amazing couple should pass within days of each other. I will forever remember Helen's happy voice and her smile and enthusiastic greeting every time we crossed paths. She was a loyal, good friend to my grandma Sue and our whole family. The world was better with Helen and Benny in it. Deep sympathy to Mark, Diane and the whole family.

Pamela Knickerbocker

January 24, 2021

My sincere condolences to mark abd Diane. Many memories of our childhood. 50 years ago. Eating pizza at Roma pizzeria. Visiting at grandma house. Rest in piece. Pamela, Maria , Vivian colongeli.

Antonio Castello

January 24, 2021

It was always a pleasure to be helpful and talk to Ms. Campagnolo at Beechtree. She was always grateful and pleasant. She attended and enjoyed very much my recreation programs such as sing along and bingo. I will miss her presence and sharing conversation with her.

Lisa Pittarelli

January 24, 2021

My Aunt Helen was like a second mother to me. She never forgot a Birthday, milestone, or just an opportunity to call to say " Hello Dolly. " She was there for every family event be it happy, or sad. My most treasured memories were of summers spent in Ithaca with my Cousins. They were like siblings to me.To this day they are my best friends. Thank you Aunt Helen for your many gifts, especially Diana & Mark.

Patricia Natali

January 24, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to everyone.

Dr. Enzo & Rachel Campagnolo

January 23, 2021

Cara Zia e madrina, la tua improvvisa scomparsa ha lasciato un grande vuoto nel nostro cuore. Il tuo ricordo sarà per sempre impresso nel nostro animo.

Mary R

January 23, 2021

I met Helen when I would go to Beechtree to visit my mom. She was always so kind and friendly to my sister and I. It was always a pleasure listening to her speak about life! I found out that she and I had very similar views on some things which made our conversations even more enjoyable. I’m honored to have known her even though it was for a short time.

Maria Salino

January 22, 2021

Mark, Diane and family. Sending our condolences from my family. Always enjoyed our chats especially with Helen in the grocery store! They were special people and they will be together for eternity! Thinking of you through this difficult time! Sending prayers for peace and comfort . Maria Salino and family

Michelle Ciaschi

January 22, 2021

Our deepest condolences to you, Mark and your family. So sorry for the loss of your parents. Thinking of you.
-Michelle & Ricky Ciaschi

Natalie Henderson

January 22, 2021

I am so sorry for your family, so glad I had the privilege of knowing both of them and working with them at Beechtree. Sincerely, Natalie Henderson, PT.

Mayra Glidden

January 22, 2021

I love Helen and Benny they always put a smile on my face. I will always keep them in my heart. It was a pleasure to take care of them

Michelle Fullagar

January 22, 2021

Both great people I enjoyed my chats with Helen and sharing some sweet treats with her. My condolences to their family they were truly a pleasure to see on a daily basis. Rip Benny and Helen

Lana (Missy) Milton

January 22, 2021

God Bless them . . May they rest in paradise. Beautiful souls, forever in our hearts. Heartfelt sympathy to the family . With Love, The Milton Family

Amy Cooper

January 22, 2021

A wonderful, graceful lady! My grandparents lived on Corn St and I still remember her after all these years. My condolences to all who loved her.

Sister Edna Slyck

January 22, 2021

I always enjoyed visiting with Helen at Beechtree when I was living in Ithaca. She was always filled with hospitality and interested in what was happening in the Parish. Knowing her as I did, I know she will be missed by Family and friends.
May Helen and Benny be at peace in heaven.

Teresa Ferrara

January 22, 2021

Mark, Diane and Remo and families our deepest condolences and prayers to you all. Frank and Teresa Ferraa

Lori Joseph

January 22, 2021

Going to miss them, they were wonderful people and I’m glad I got to get close with Diana and Mark because of these two beautiful people! May they Rest In Peace, god bless them both

Patricia Bangs

January 22, 2021

Mark, Diana, Remo and families, sending my Deepest Condolences Patty Bangs

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results