Obituary: Helen M. Vanacore (Porto Funeral Homes)

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Friend Helen M. Vanacore, 84, of Hamden, formerly of East Haven, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Helen was the devoted wife of John D. Vanacore, Sr. and a cherished mother to John D. Vanacore, Jr. (Jhenny) of Hamden, Debra Panela (Joseph) of East Haven, and Robert Vanacore (Jennifer) of East Haddam. She will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren—Robert, Courtney, Joey, Michael, Jake, Eva, Sergio, Oscar, and Camila—and her five great-grandchildren—Logan, Leo, Mia, Zoe, and Elijah. She is also survived by her sister, Joan Fratantonio (John), nieces Cheryl Santos (John), Denise Baktis (Chris), and Cynthia Silvia (Brian), along with many other beloved nephews and nieces. Helen was predeceased by her sister, Concetta Cavalier of Manchester Township, New Jersey and her daughter-in-law, Tina Vanacore of Hamden, Connecticut. Helen had a passion for nurturing life and creativity. She loved gardening, spending countless hours tending her flowers and vegetables, but her true joy came from cooking for her family, sharing recipes, and creating meals that brought everyone together. She was a talented crafter who enjoyed making jewelry, sewing, crocheting, and exploring countless crafts—especially when sharing these moments with her grandchildren, leaving behind treasured memories and handmade keepsakes. For many years, Helen dedicated herself to her work at Echlin in Branford as an assembler, demonstrating her diligence and commitment until her retirement. Her life was defined not only by her talents but by the warmth, kindness, and generosity she showed to all who knew her. Helen will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, creativity, and devotion to family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to a Parlor Service Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 in the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven. Inurnment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call THURSDAY MORNING from 9:00 until time of Service. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or Spotty Dog Rescue spottydogrescue.org/donate to honor all of the dogs the Vanacore family has had, including her current fur baby Penny. Sign Helen's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.