Helen L. (Fitzsimmons) Filo, age 83, entered eternal rest on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Shady Knoll Health Care in Seymour.
Helen was born in Bridgeport on April 4, 1940, daughter of the late James and Julia Gallagher Fitzsimmons. A resident of Derby for most of her life, she was employed as a bus driver for the former Blake Bus Company, where she was known as “Blondie the Bus Driver.” Later she worked as a telephone operator for the former SNET for many years, until her retirement. Helen loved to travel and always enjoyed attending her family reunion each year in Salem, MA.
She leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Richard D. Filo Jr. (Penny) of Oxford and James F. Filo (Laura) of Seymour, a daughter, Bernice L. Bakstis (Mark) of Naugatuck, a sister, Mary Ann Weenan of FL, grandchildren, Brittany Markelwitz (Brian) of AZ, Shannon M. Filo of Oxford, Kassidy L. Filo of TX, Richard D. Filo III of Oxford, James A. Filo of Seymour, Logan P. Filo of Seymour, Ralph A. Palmieri (Mary) of Seymour, Seth Bakstis (Katie) of Cape Cod, MA, Amanda Cullen of New Haven, and Haley Ignace of NJ, great-grandchildren, Anthony, Myah, and Nicholas Palmieri as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter, Wendy Carroll, a brother, John Fitzsimmons, a grandson, Vincent Palmieri, and a granddaughter, Jessica Filo.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. At 12:00 noon, a funeral service in celebration of Helen’s life will take place in the funeral home with Rev. Jeffrey Gubbiotti officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. To sign Helen’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
