Helen J. Persichilli, 81, passed away Monday morning (Dec. 1, 2025) at her home on Cedar Street, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Hornell on Feb. 25, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Ludwig and Irene (Allison) Pauly. Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by three sisters, infant Freida Pauly, Mary Lou Jimerson and Nancy (Charles) Curran; also, two brothers, Louis (Virginia) Pauly and William Pauly; also, her brother-in-law, Earl Moore
A lifelong resident of Hornell, Helen was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1962. She was employed by the former K-Mart in Hornell for over 20 years and retired from the former Hornell Do It Best Center.
Throughout the years Helen has enjoyed spending time crocheting, gardening, cooking and baking.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Gerald F. “Jerry” Persichilli who she married at the former St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Hornell on July 21, 1962; three sons, Richard (Theresa) Persichilli of Hornell, NY, Stephen (Melissa) Persichilli of Jasper, NY and Gregory (Robin) Persichilli of Arkport, NY; six grandchildren, Josh, Matt, Nick and Tony Persichilli, Kelsey Moran and Taren Drake; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Linda Moore of Tipton, PA; her sister-in-law, Betty Pauly of Hornell; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
To honor her wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join her family at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral service will take place in her memory at 12 p.m. (Noon) on SATURDAY (DEC. 13, 2025). Private interment will take place at Rural Cemetery, Hornell at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618 or to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.
The Bishop-Johnson & Desanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Helen’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Helen are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
