Helen Cristelli

Helen Cristelli (nee Barkocy) of Fairfield, NJ passed away on March 31, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Anthony Cristelli for 62 years until his passing in 2015. Loving mother to Mark & his wife Denise Cristelli, Donna Cristelli, Lori & her husband Dan Loughlin, Michael & his wife Debbie Cristelli, and Judy Cristelli. Cherished grandmother of Michele, Ryan & his wife Margaret, Justin & his wife Kristen and Mary. Adored great-grandmother of Cody, Riley, Connor, Theo, Kayla and Adelaide.

Helen was born on January 19, 1929 in Tresckow, PA to Michael & Mary Barkocy. She graduated from Hazelton High School in 1946 at which time she moved to New York City where she attended Traphagen School of Fashion Design. An extremely talented designer, Helen worked for pattern maker Lucille Rivers. She subsequently opened her own dress shop, bridal shop and dress factory. She was proud of her work sewing priest's garments from home. She held several positions in her career, but her favorite was working for the Archdiocese of Paterson at a long-term drug and alcohol rehab center. She taught the residents reupholstery, instilling in them a lifelong skill. Her most recent job was working for JCPenney Department Store where she sold window coverings until she was 88 years old.

Helen and her late husband, Tony, were founders of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield. She was an active parishioner, acting as treasurer of the Holy Name/Rosary Society, member of the Legion of Mary, and was very involved in the church and school, participating in bake sales and fashion shows throughout the years.

Helen was an avid traveler and she and Tony traveled extensively over the years including trips to Las Vegas and many cruises such as a transatlantic cruise from England to New York. Some of the most memorable trips included an angel pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, going to see the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, and the canonization of Alberic Crescitelli (Tony's cousin) in Rome.

The Cristelli home was always open to anyone in need. It was not uncommon to find Helen sharing coffee with a friend who simply needed someone to listen. She lovingly carried on the traditions of her Eastern European heritage and Tony's Italian roots, especially during the holidays. Helen was like a mother to many, and the Cristelli home was often filled with children, particularly in the summer, when it became a gathering place for neighborhood teens. She was always smiling and had a special way of making everyone feel welcome.

Visitation Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 3-7 PM at the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, Fairfield. Family will gather at the funeral home 9AM on Wednesday, April 8 prior to a Mass of Christian Burial 10AM at St. Thomas More Church. Interment Gate of Heaven Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital OR the Alzheimer's Association.