Helen A. Lappano

Helen A. (Acri) Lappano, 95, of Mechanicsburg, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 at Messiah Lifeways. She was the 12th child of Antonio and Fortuna (Biasi) Acri. Her beloved husband, Joseph F. Lappano, preceded her in passing, and was also a former Messiah resident. She is survived by her son, Sam Lappano and his wife Debbie; two granddaughters, Sara Lappano and her husband Bo Bland, and Gina Moshier and her husband Chad; two step-grandson Steven Davis and his wife Jonelle, and Michael Davis and his wife, Cristi; and three great grandchildren, Rowan, Lilah and Rayne.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband Joseph; her sisters Palmina, Auralia Lewis, Esther Lewis, and Edith Kochenour; and her brothers Pasquali Acri, Pomualdo Acri, Ercol Acri, Adolph Acri, Albert Acri, Raymond Acri, and Armond Acri.

Helen graduated in 1947 from John Harris High School. She was a secretary to the Transportation Officer at the New Cumberland Army Depot for many years and retired as Chief of the Inbound Freight Section, Transportation Division. She received many awards of the years for her excellent work at the Army Depot.

Helen and her husband were founding members of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, where, in the past, she and her husband were very active church members.

She was an excellent cook and gardener, preparing many great Italian meals and other ethnic dishes over the years for family and friends. She and her husband had many wonderful traveling adventures. With their RV, they had several cross-country trips, exploring nearly every state. They also enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy (with her brother Raymond and his wife Doris) where they were able to find some of our distant Italian cousins. They also visited her father’s original farm in Italy. Family was always important to her and her husband. Many weekends and holidays would often include various family members.

A private service will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to the dedicated members of the Messiah Lifeways staff that took such wonderful care of Helen throughout her residency at Messiah.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 310 Hertzler Rd, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.