Helen M. Cerra

Helen M. (DiNoto) Cerra, 95, formerly of East Hartford and Glastonbury, loving wife of 53 years to the late Salvatore J. Cerra, Sr., passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, with her family by her side. Born in East Hartford on May 5, 1931, a daughter of the late John and Adelaide (Pessino) DiNoto, she had been a resident of the East Hartford - Glastonbury area for many years. Helen attended schools in Hartford and was a graduate of Weaver High School, class of 1949.

Prior to her retirement, Helen was employed by the town of East Hartford Police Department for many years, retiring as the Administrative Secretary to Police Chief Clarence Drumm. Helen was a talented and creative crafts woman who had several craft stores in Windsor, Glastonbury, and Manchester including “My Favorite Things” in Glastonbury. She was also a floral designer for artificial and dried flowers making various arrangements and wreaths.

One of Helen’s greatest enjoyments was listening to music, singing, and dancing. She loved going to Flea Markets with her late husband where she would sell and buy various goods. She also liked traveling with her husband to Ogunquit, Maine to visit the Marginal Way and their annual foliage trips. Helen was an excellent cook who loved preparing delicious meals for her family and friends, especially during the holidays.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Debra St. Jean and her husband David of Woodstock; three sons, Salvatore J. Cerra, Jr. and his wife Anne-Marie of Tolland, Richard Cerra and his wife Leisa of South Windsor, and Thomas Cerra and his wife Dawn of Milford. She also leaves five adored grandchildren, Andrew St. Jean and his fiancée, Caroline Taylor and her daughter Lydia, of Norwich, Nick St. Jean of Chicago, IL, Jack Cerra and his significant other Lily Griswold of Tolland, Samantha Cerra of Manchester, Lindsey Cerra of Tolland; and many dear friends. Along with her beloved husband and parents, Helen was predeceased by her beloved and only sibling, Jack DiNoto and his wife Geri, and her niece, Linda Mooney all of East Hartford.

Helen’s family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday (August 20th) from 4 – 6 pm at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a prayer service to immediately follow at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Helen’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com