Helen L Gunning

With profound sadness we share the passing of Helen Lois Gunning our loving mother, sister, aunt, nana and friend. She left us while sleeping peacefully on August 1st, 2023 due to her long battle with cancer. She was born on November 11, 1942 in Bridgeport CT to Louis and Helen Melito. Helen was raised in Roslindale and then the family moved to Needham where she completed her education. Helen worked various jobs throughout her young life but her passion became hair dressing as she raised her family. Helens last job was at the Barnstable district Court where she retired from as a Clerk officer of the court. She resided in Barnstable for many years where she lived with her loving husband John Gunning ( he passed in July of 2001 ). She then moved to West Palm Beach FL to be near her sisters. She will be sadly missed by her sister Marie E Melito of Royal Palm Beach,FL and Loretta Kentros and husband Harry of West Palm Beach,FL. Her son Donald Rizzitano and his wife Virginia of Weymouth, MA. Her daughter Denise Smith and husband Richard of Lakeville, MA. Her dear friend Dr Josephine DiMarco of Royal Palm Beach, FL. She will be forever remembered as the best Nana to her grandchildren Renay Rizzitano, Sami Smith, Donald Rizzitano Jr, Joseph Rizzitano & Parker Smith. And great grand children Jakob, Riley, Mason and lil Donny. Helen was the favorite Aunt to Richard Rizzitano of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, James Rizzitano of West Palm Beach, FL, Thomas Rizzitano of Milford, MA, Gina Marie Rizzitano (deceased) and Great Auntie Helen to Michael Poirier, Ryan Rizzitano, Anthony Rizzitano, Thomas Rizzitano, Vanessa Rizzitano and Vincent Rizzitano. Viewing Services will be held at Palms West Funeral Home at 12:30 on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 with mass to follow at the Our Lady Queen of the Apostles church at 2 pm. Interment will follow immediately at the church hall. Pinot Grigio companies are devastated by the loss Helen but A "Celebration of Life" will be held during Happy Hour to be determined at a later time for her friends and family in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, the family hopes that you will do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone in Helens honor.