Helen M. (Ricchio) Pitts

South Portland – Helen M. (Ricchio) Pitts, 97, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026.

The daughter of Joseph and Lucia (Orlando) Ricchio, she was born in Portland on October 28, 1928. She attended Portland schools and graduated from Portland High School. She was raised with strong values and character and family was everything. After graduation she worked for the Portland Gas Company. For many years, she was a stay-at-home mother. In the early 70’s, she went to work at Alpha Management in Scarborough until Covid. Helen became part of their family and worked there for 45 years. She was a long-time communicant member of Holy Cross Church.

She was predeceased by her three sisters, Philomena Speidell, Mary Guidry and Josephine Caron; and a brother, Samuel Ricchio. She is also predeceased by her longtime companion, Herbert Peace. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Michael Sr) McLaughlin of Scarborough; grandson, Michael Jr (Jane); and two great grandsons, Michael III and Nolan of Delmar, New York. She is survived by her six nephews, Joseph (Linda), John (Denise) Ricchio, Mark (Saby) Speidell, Stephen (Pamela), Tom and David Caron; and a great nephew and niece.

Special thanks to all the staff at Cedars on the Black Wolf Unit.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation on Wednesday, February 11, from 3 to 5pm at Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on February 12, at 10am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on February 12, at 11am at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Rd, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s name to Holy Cross School General Fund, 436 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106