Helen (Kersnowski) Ferrone Coonradt

Mrs. Helen (Kersnowski) Ferrone Coonradt, age 84, of Utica, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 26, 2006, at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Buchanan, West Virginia on November 26, 1921, Helen was the daughter of the late Paul and Teofilia (Kadluboski) Kersnowski. She was raised and educated in Forest City, PA. On October 25, 1941 she was married to Louis R. Ferrone, Sr. They enjoyed a 37-year traditional relationship that flourished with respect and devotion, until his passing on January 26, 1978. During her marriage she was passionate about caring for her husband, children, and home. After Louis’s passing, who was one of the original owners of Ferrone Brothers Service Station, she worked in the capacity of manager at the Genesee Towers senior citizen housing project and was credited for the social growth of the many new entertainment programs. In 1984 she was joined in marriage with Lyle Coonradt. As loving companions, they shared common travel pleasures and mutual fulfillments in each other’s life. He passed away in January 2002. Helen was a faithful, optimistic, and supportive mother to her children and a benevolent, warm-hearted, and empathetic person. She maintained a positive perspective of life and as a humanist, believed that the goodness we impart to others was paramount. She was confident that the best things in life were not ‘material things’, and that generous acts and giving from the soul had true meaning. A care giver by nature, Helen was an unconditional advocate for young people and had an interest in their basic necessities and moral decisions. Her home was always open to her family and children and anyone in their time of need. Helen enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors, the fresh air and tranquility of the Adirondack mountains, and her floral gardening. She had a deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, and put trust in her in times of tribulation. She was a communicant of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Helen is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Carolyn Iannone of Utica, and Antonia and Ed Orlando of Rochester; her sons and daughter-in-law, Louis R. Ferrone, Jr. of East Syracuse, and Paul Sr. and Karen Ferrone of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Tina and John Novak, Gina and Vincent Chapman, Joseph John Iannone III and his fiancée Jennifer Starring, Victoria and Arthur Broccoli, Justin LaMore, and Amy and Richard Gruszewski, Mark Orlando, Ayla Ferrone, Louis Ferrone III, Nikkole Ferrone, and Paul Ferrone, Jr.; and her 8 great-grandchildren. The family also acknowledges the children and relatives of her late huband, Lyle Coonradt, including Philip Coonradt and MaryAnn, Mary Ellen and Bert Helmer, Michael and Wendy Coonradt, Erin and Francis Peruzzi, Bill and Stacey Coonradt, and Patricia and Jeff Lyon; and her 12 grandchildren. Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and in-laws, Raymond and Lucille Ferrone. She was predeceased by numerous siblings, and her son-in-law, Joseph J. Iannone, Jr. in 2005. The family offers its appreciation to Dr. Samson Pachikara, and the nursing staffs of the 3rd floor, 4th floor and Intensive Care Unit of St. Elizabeth Medical Center for meeting the needs of Helen and her family with sensitivity and compassion. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Helen’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 11:00 from the funeral home and at 12:00 noon at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Helen (Kersnowski) Ferrone Coonradt

November 26, 1921 - August 26, 2006