Helen L. Fonzo

Helen L. Fonzo, 84 of Franklin died peacefully surrounded by her family at 10:05 A.M. Monday February 16, 2015 at Sugar Creek Station.

Born in Franklin on June 12, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Florence Snyder Leyda.

She was a 1947 graduate of Franklin High School.

Helen worked for 35 years at the Venango County Courthouse, starting out as a switchboard operator and later in the county assessment office working her way up to Chief County Assessor, the first female to hold that position in Venango County.

She was a longtime volunteer at the Barrow Civic Theater and RSVP of Venango County. She enjoyed bowling and participated in a bowling league and attended Curves regularly as her health permitted. She was a member of the DAR and also enjoyed gardening and attending Franklin's many parades.

Helen was a woman of strong faith and was a former member of St. Patrick Church and currently an active and faithful member of Christ United Methodist Church in Franklin where she served on the church visitation team.

She loved music, especially Cahal Dunne, so much that she went on a group bus tour of Ireland with Cahal.

Above all, Helen was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who would do anything for her family.

On September 4, 1947 she married the love of her life, James J. Fonzo Sr. and he preceded her in death on September 3, 1981.

Surviving are six children; James J. Fonzo Jr. and his wife Diane of Wichita, KS, Margaret R. "Peggy" Sutley and her husband Robert of Dempseytown, Edward L. Fonzo and his wife Susan of Franklin, Danny T. Fonzo and his wife Vicki of Utica, Sharon K. Hoover and her husband Dennis of Franklin, and Gerald E. "Jerry" Fonzo of Dallas, TX; a brother, Gary Leyda of Franklin and a sister, Connie Whalen of Phoenix, AZ.

Additionally surviving are 11 grandchildren; Julie Fonzo of Seattle, WA, Robert Sutley and his wife Helen of Dempseytown, Brian Sutley and his wife Jen of Titusville, Matthew Fonzo and his wife Dianne of Franklin, Jeffrey Fonzo and his companion Erin of Franklin, TSgt. Nicholas Fonzo and his wife Laura of Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, Michael Fonzo of Pittsburgh, Benjamin Fonzo and his wife Erin of Titusville, Christina Fonzo, of Utica, Adam Guthrie and his fiancé Traci of Franklin, Adriana "Dani" Scott and her husband Aaron of Albuquerque, NM; 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter; a granddaughter, Kimberly H. Guthrie; a sister in law, Mable Leyda; and a brother in law, Robert Shoup.

Helen's family would like to thank the staff at Sugar Creek Station for the wonderful care and support they provided for her.

Family and friends welcome from 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 W. Park St. Franklin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at Christ United Methodist Church, 1135 Buffalo St. Franklin with Rev. David Janz, Church Pastor, officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Helen's name to Christ United Methodist Church 1135 Buffalo St. Franklin, PA 16323.