Helen Risi

Helen Risi, long-time resident of Jackson Heights, passed away on January 3 following a long illness. She was 76 years old.
A devoted wife and mother, Risi attended St. Mary’s School in Long Island City and Sacred Heart Academy in the Bronx before marrying Joseph Risi Sr., a recently-retired Supreme Court Justice.
The couple has three children — Joseph, an attorney; Monica, also an attorney; and Eileen, a teacher — and seven grandchildren ranging in age from 23 to 13.
“Her life revolved around her children,” said her husband, who fondly recalls the large party they held at Riccardo’s to commemorate their 50th anniversary and the cruise they took with Queens County Clerk Gloria D’Amico just last August.
“She enjoyed it very much,” he said, adding, “I have millions of fond memories [of Helen].”
Risi also remembers his wife as very friendly, saying, “We got so many expressions of sympathy [when she passed] I was overwhelmed.”
Risi was waked at Farenga Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held at St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Long Island City, where the couple was married 55 years ago and where all their children were baptized. Interment was at St. Mary’s Cemetery.