- Date Of Death: March 14, 2013
- State: Connecticut
It is with profound sadness, immeasurable love and many wonderful memories that we announce the passing of our beloved Helen Papa. Helen Catherine Lupoli Papa, 95, of North Haven,formerly of Chapel St., New Haven, passed away at home on March 14, 2013 after a courageous battle with lymphoma.. Born in New Haven on March 1, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Antoinette Viscardi Lupoli. Helen was the widow of Stephen J. Papa, a well regarded realtor in New Haven who was well known to the residents of the city as Santa Claus and Christopher Columbus. Helen played the role of Mrs. Claus, and supported not only her husband but children as well throughout her life. She made clothes and Halloween costumes for underprivileged children. Her generous spirit and care extended to her family who worked for the fruit market “Papa & Sons”, a well known New Haven landmark. Helen will be remembered for her positive spirit, even in the face of adversity, her enduring love, loyalty and perseverance, and her amazing Italian cooking which united family and friends.
She is survived by two sons, Atty. John S. (Rosemarie) Papa and Stephen J. (Carol) Papa; a daughter, Patricia Sweeney; two sisters, Lillian Guarnieri of Hamden and Nancy Cavallaro of West Haven; 7 grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Kanaan, John, Salvatore & Brianna Papa, Deana Vendetto, Melissa Capasso and Bernadette Shaw; 14 great grandchildren, Julia, Joseph, Jenna and Jack Kanaan, Samuel & Annie Papa, Lucy, Spencer & Hannah Shaw, Talia & Sophia Vendetto, Anthony, Andrew & Nicholas Capasso. She was predeceased by three brothers, Peter, Mario and Fred Lupoli; and three sisters, Anne Daily, Concetta Davidson and Carol Diana; and a great granddaughter, Samantha Shaw., 424 Elm St. (cor. Dwight) New Haven Thursday, March 21st at 10:30 am. Mass in St.
