Irene M. Helman LaRocque-Melillo, 96, formerly of Central Avenue, North Haven, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 19, 2018 at the MidState Medical Center, Meriden. Beloved wife of the late Russell LaRocque and Frank Melillo.  Irene was born in Manhattan, New York on January 4, 1922; daughter of the late James and Irene LaFontaine Helman; was a superintendent at the North Haven Fair Association for many years and was a real estate agent for Rebeschi Builders.  Irene was a member of the Knights of Columbus Columbiettes, the North Haven Garden Club and a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church.  She was a breast cancer survivor. Mother of Eileen (Fred) Morton, Dennis (Frances) LaRocque, Susan (Tim) Oviedo, Frank and Robert Melillo and the late Russell LaRocque and Cheryl Munro.  Mother-in-law of Bernadette LaRocque.  Step-sister of Roy Stober, the late Alice Vaspasiano and Charles Stober.  Irene is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  Predeceased by her grandsons Bryant and Brendan Flynn, and a brother Van Helman

Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at Saint Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.