Helen Cianci Lavinio
Helen Cianci Lavinio of Southampton died on Friday, May 11, at the Peconic Bay Medical Center. She was 68.
Born at Bay Ridge Hospital, she moved with her parents to 84th Street in Brooklyn, then to Westbury and later to Huntington.
She graduated from South Huntington High School in 1961. After graduation from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1965, she spent her entire teaching career at the Smithtown Central School District, teaching grades four and five at Mills Pond and St. James schools. Survivors said she was a caring, talented teacher and shared her unique skills with her students and colleagues, as well as with student teachers from St. Joseph’s and Dowling colleges and Stony Brook University. She belonged to several professional teachers organizations, graciously accepting various committee head and officer posts, and was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi service sorority. No matter where she traveled, she would meet and greet former students.
The very first time she was called for jury duty, she was selected for a grand jury and served as its chair. She was fascinated by the whole justice system. She never failed to vote on Election Day and was proud to cast her ballot.
Her fabulous smile and great sense of humor permeated her daily life, said survivors. Outside of school, she had many interests. She enjoyed cooking for two or 20, liked to embroider and was an avid reader. She also collected 1930s and 1940s household items. She timed herself doing The New York Times crossword puzzles.
She spent several summer seasons working the front desk at the Southampton Bathing Corporation. Her warm smile and calm demeanor were greatly appreciated by the beach club members.
She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Joseph S. Lavinio; a sister, Patricia C. Kaplowitz of Hauppauge; a brother-in-law, Steve of Southampton, nephews, Stephen and Michael Lavinio of Southampton, Mark and Jay Kaplowitz of Hauppauge and Richard Zeh of Connecticut.
Funeral services were held at the Church of the Resurrection in Smithtown on May 16. The Reverend Jack Custer officiated.
Memorial donations may be made to a local food pantry.
on May 21, 2012