Cover photo for Helena A. Decaprio's Obituary
Helena A. Decaprio Profile Photo
In Memory Of
Helena A. Decaprio
1954 2023

Helena A. Decaprio

September 5, 1954 — May 21, 2023

ROTTERDAM - Helena A. Decaprio, 68 of Rotterdam went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at her residence, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born on September 8, 1954 in Schenectady, NY and was the daughter of the late Anthony DeCaprio and Carmela (DeNofio) DeCaprio. She is also predeceased by her maternal grandparents; Dominick DeNofio and Helen (Formichelli) DeNofio, paternal grandparents; Ralph DeCaprio and Ann Marie (Palumbo) Mastin, as well as her beloved dogs Pixie, Bear, Bumper, Sheena and Lisel, a llama she cared for and loved dearly.

A 1972 graduate from Mohonasen High School, Helena went on to achieve an Associate's Degree in accounting at HVCC and several accreditations in archeology from SCC. After working as a cashier for the J.M. Fields store, she went on to have a career as a Fingerprint Analysis and later a Computer Analyst for the Division of Criminal Justice in Albany, retiring after 37 years of service. She won the Governor's award for her excellent work in designing the program that connected various police departments after 9/11. As an avid nature photographer, she also won several awards from various photo contests.

She loved the outdoors and was active in both downhill and cross-country skiing, kayaking, biking, hiking, horseback riding and driving, and climbed the summit of several of The 46 High Peaks, including Mount Marcy. She was an extreme adventurist, repelling down the side of the Crown Hotel in Albany for charity, riding the white-water rapids through the Grand Canyon, rock climbing, and cave explorations. She was a hobbyist in stone, wood working, and tinning. As a sports enthusiast she loved archery, ax throwing, and target practice at the shooting range.

As a lover of music, she attended hundreds of indoor, and outdoor concerts as well as stage musicals, holding season tickets at Proctor's Theater. She was musically proficient and played several instruments, including the piano, dulcimer, lap harp, and ukulele.

She was a world traveler, doing everything from mushing a dog sled on an Alaskan glacier to sightseeing in Africa, England, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, to name a few.

She is survived by her sisters, Roberta DeCaprio-Lemke (James) and Cynthia DeCaprio. As well as nephews and nieces: William Rockenstyre Jr. (Laurie), Tammy Rockenstyre (Keith), Raeven and Ryan Longo, four great nieces, a great, great nephew, aunts, cousins, and numerous loving and amazing friends.

She lived life large and her absence from this world leaves a big hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her. We will never say "goodbye," just "see you later".

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 5pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie, NY 12205. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 10am Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2919 W. Lydius Street, Schenectady, NY.

Immediately following a time at the interment site, St. Cyril and Method.

In lieu of flowers donations in Helena's name to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Albany, NY 12204
(mohawkhumane.org) would be appreciated.

To leave a special message for the family online please visit NewComerAlbany.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Helena A. Decaprio, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, June 1, 2023

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

New Comer Cremations & Funerals

343 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205

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Service

Friday, June 2, 2023

Starts at 10:00 am (Eastern time)

Lighthouse Baptist Church

Schenectady, NY

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