Obituary of Helen K. Arnos

Rensselaer- Helen Konstantakis Arnos, 96, Rensselaer, passed peacefully February 12, 2023 at home surrounded by family and friends. Helen was born June 23, 1926, in Perth Amboy, N.J., to James Simatos and Margaret Mouatsos, who both emigrated here from Kefalonia, Greece. She was the wife of the late Harry Konstantakis (1960) and Louis P. Arnos (1999). She is survived by two sons, Fr. Gregory H. Constantios (Christine) of Gaithersburg, MD., and James Konstantakis (Cookie Travis) of Rensselaer, and brother Jerry Simatos of Pottsville, PA., nieces and nephews Susan, James, Samantha, Sarah, Sienna, JJ and Jerry Simatos II of Pottsville, dear friends Frank Mugrace and Maureen Mugrace of Scotia/Florida; Judy Mugrace of Florida, Edward and Joanne Viglucci of Delmar and Rita Service of Michigan.

Helen was a stay-at-home mom till her husband suddenly passed at age 48 in 1960. She began working at Fashion Care dry cleaners to support her two sons. While working, she received her  degree in secretarial science and worked for the Chancellor of Education for the State of New York before retiring to take care of her second husband, Louis. Helen was abound with energy, from growing crops in her backyard to riding Sea-Doos at age 80 and cutting her grass on the riding mower till age 90. She was extremely proud of her Greek heritage and put in many hours at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in Albany. Her house parties with family and friends were legendary. The family would like to thank Hospice for its generosity, compassion and support, the wonderful CNA’s at Evergreen Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in East Greenbush. The family would also like to acknowledge the compassionate staff at St. Peter’s and the best home-care aids anyone could have: Patrice Beebee and Cookie Travis.

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road, Albany, NY 12208 followed by the funeral mass at 11AM.  Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery in Albany. A luncheon will follow the burial. Contributions may be made to St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road,  Albany, NY 12208;  the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County, 544 Broadway, Rensselaer, NY 12144; or Rensselaer Little League (email to RensselaerLittleLeague@gmail.com).