Mrs. Helen M. (Arent) Talerico

UTICA – Mrs. Helen M. (Arent) Talerico, blessed with 94 years on this earth, passed away on Thursday, January 23, 2025, with her devoted family by her side. Born in Herkimer on November 8, 1930, Helen was the daughter of the late William F. and Mary I. (Fuss) Arent. She relocated to Utica with her family when she was 12 years old and was a proud graduate of Utica Free Academy/Class of 1948. Later in life, she attended Utica School of Commerce. Helen was wed to John J. Talerico, Sr., on May 18, 1958. Their union was blessed with the gifts of children and friendship until John’s passing on January 27, 2008. At one time, Helen worked for Utica Mutual Insurance before leaving to raise her children. When she reentered the workforce, she held clerical positions at The Hartford Insurance Company. Helen had a thirst for knowledge and could always be found devouring one book or another. She made almost daily visits to the library and could read a book a day. Some of her children’s fondest memories of growing up with her are those trips to the library. A movie buff, Helen especially enjoyed true crime series and was a self-proclaimed detective. She was a music enthusiast with a talented voice—so much so that a song was specifically written for her to record. She sang at family weddings and in various choirs. She was also an aspiring actress and was involved with the Utica Players in her younger years. Helen enjoyed being around others and was skilled in engaging them in conversation. She had a knack for really getting to know who people were. In her free time, Helen enjoyed going for walks and rooting for the NY Yankees. She also possessed a dry sense of humor. Above all else, it was Helen’s maternal nature that shone like a beacon; she was considered a “second mom” to many. She was a natural caretaker and was trusted to care for her sisters-in-law and friends whenever they called upon her. Helen honored her family and friends with her famous thoughtful cards. Her messages were always paired with personalized poems and sealed with stickers. Whether for a special occasion or just an “I love you,” these creative gifts truly were her ministry. Helen is survived by her children and their spouses, John Jr. and Luanne Talerico, Diane (Talerico) and Byron Salmon, and Rebecca Talerico and Denis Vella; and grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Grandma T.,” John, Jessica, and Samantha; Jacob and Michelle Salmon, Joel and Medlee Salmon, Jordan Salmon; and Frank Gulla. She was preceded by her grandson, Philip Gulla, Jr. in June of 2021. She leaves to cherish her memory her great-grandchildren, Jude, James, and Brooklyn; many nieces and nephews and their families; and her in-laws, Dario A. Monescalchi (the late Rosemary Monescalchi), and Rita Conte (the late Rick “Gus Conte) with whom Helen shared a special bond. She was additionally predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Alfred and Nancy Arent; sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Alanson Dunn; and in-laws, Angeline and Alfred “Bud” Maunz, Frances and Frank Centolella, Eva and James A. Paciello, Carmella “Fay” and Joseph J. Cittadino, Margaret and Ray Gimelli, Johanna “Jenny” and Charles L. Barber, Josephine and Nicholas Bronga, Joseph and Rosemary Talerico, Albert and Lillian Talerico, and Paul and Carol Talerico. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Helen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82399907109. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Helen’s honor may be made to All Things Global Ministries online at www.atgm.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mrs. Helen M. (Arent) Talerico

November 8, 1930 - January 23, 2025