Helen L. (Dwyer) Torniero obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Helen Torniero Obituary

Helen L. (Dwyer) Torniero, 96 of New Haven and East Haven CT passed away peacefully at CT Hospice on March 22, 2026. She was born on December 2, 1929 in New Haven to William and Helen (Sehl) Dwyer. Helen is survived by her three loving children; Debra Pinto (Frank) of East Haven, Henry Torniero (Laura) of Plainville and Mark Torniero of Milford along with five grandchildren she adored; Brian Pinto (Elissa), Amber Pinto (Brianna Sass), Sarah Torniero (Pat Baldino), Rachel Barnes (Shane) and Andrea Torniero. She is also survived by one great granddaughter, Ella Pinto and numerous nieces/nephew.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Henry Torniero (1994) and two siblings; William Dwyer and Jean Midolo.

Helen embraced every moment she was given. She was a lover of life in the purest sense- someone who could find light even in the darkest of times and who chose positivity, no matter the circumstances. She was the life of every party, the kind of person whose presence instantly lifted a room. Her sense of humor was one of her greatest legacies. No matter what life brought her way, she found a reason to laugh- and made sure everyone around her did too. She had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones, leaving behind stories that will be told for years to come. Her love and compassion also extended to animals. She rescued many cats throughout the years. Above all, she loved deeply and lived fully. Her spirit will continue to shine through the countless lives she touched and the laughter she sparked. She will be missed beyond words, but her joy, her strength, and her beautiful outlook on life will never be forgotten.

Family will receive friends on Thursday March 26, 2026 from 9:30 AM until the time of service at 11:30 AM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven with burial to follow at East Lawn Cemetery, East Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at www.stjude.org or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959 in memory of Helen Torniero.