Helen M. (Lonero) Milograno

Mrs. Helen M. (Lonero) Milograno, age 80, of New Hartford, passed away on Saturday, June 12, 2010 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. Born in Utica on March 29, 1930, Helen was the daughter of the late Alfred and Florence (Fiore) Lonero. She was raised and educated locally and pursued collegiate studies at Alfred University where she earned an Associate’s degree in Science. She continued on to SUNY and received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She then furthered her education by attending SUNY Cortland with her daughter and was awarded her Master of Arts degree in Education and Reading. On June 16, 1951 she married Anthony S. “Tony” Milograno, Sr. with whom she shared almost 59 years in a strong and devoted partnership filled with love and compassion. To be near to her, Tony always carried her engagement picture with him, and his dedication was clearly evident in the way he cared for her during her illness. Helen began her career in education as a teacher at Utica Catholic Academy and she subsequently taught for 25 years at Notre Dame, while serving as the head of the History department. She also held the position of adjunct professor at Utica College where she taught New York State history. An intellectual thinker blessed with a scholarly nature, Helen held an intrinsic value and curiosity for knowledge. She was practical and realistic, always to the point, and never minced her words. Among the many attributes that defined her life, she was strong, stately, elegant, worldly, bright, and beautiful! A graceful socialite, she enjoyed her avocation of hostess to champion her husband’s career as a classically trained violinist, often entertaining local and international musicians at her home. She was, in fact, the first lady to her husband’s first violin, and she took great care to maintain his impeccable image. But the heart of Helen’s home was her role as connoisseur in the kitchen as she cooked for those she loved, and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader of history and biographies, and was effective in her capacity as President of the Greater Utica Musical Society and her involvement with the harmonious arrangement of group functions. Helen was a woman of deep spirituality complemented by a practical approach in her beliefs and faith. Helen is survived by her husband, Tony; her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Lynn Milograno of Yorkville; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Dr. James Brown of New Hartford; her grandchildren, Alicia Milograno and fiance Ben Elesh, Elizabeth Milograno, Michael Milograno, Kaitland Brown, Walker Brown, Zoe Brown, Christy and Mike Colangelo, Amanda and Steve Krupski, and Brett and Alaina Meus; and her great-grandchildren, Hailey Krupski, Emily Krupski, and Matthew Meus. Survivors also include her sister, Rita Gigliotti; her brother, Joseph Lonero, Sr.; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sister-in-law, Theodora Milograno, and faithful friends, too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Antoinette and Joseph Gillette; and her in-laws, Felix Gigliotti, Carmen J. and Rose J. Milograno, and Rosario Milograno. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the nurses and staff of the 6th floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center; Dr. Atul Butala and his staff, Dr. Thomas John, and the staff of the Presbyterian Home’s Aspen Wing, especially Diane Hilton and Helen’s sister, Rita Gigliotti, for their professionalism and compassion. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, June 18, 2010 from 11-12 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Helen’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Friday afternoon at 12:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Father Paul Drobin officiating the ceremony.

Helen M. (Lonero) Milograno

March 29, 1930 - June 12, 2010