Helen Checca

Helen Checca, age 97, of Timonium, MD, formerly of White Oak, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025 with loving nieces, Karen Fagan and Patricia Brletic by her side. She was born in McKeesport, PA on August 7, 1927 and was the daughter of the late Antiono and Anna Carrara Leonardo. During the Great Depression, Helen’s parents agreed to her intrafamily adoption with Anna’s sister, Angeline Checca, and her husband Joseph. Helen resided with her adoptive parents in Ohio until after graduation from Steubenville High School in 1944 when she returned to McKeesport.

She was employed in the Payroll Department of U.S. Steel for over 40 years. After retirement, Helen enjoyed travelling, especially memorable trips to Italy with her Steubenville cousins, and a month’s long excursion across the United States with her brothers and sister-in-law. She also had good times traveling with the East Suburban Friendship and Travel Club. For many years, she enjoyed daily walks in White Oak Regional Park, and Saturday night poker games with her brothers, Joe, Patsy, and Dominick Leonardo, and sisters-in-law, Anna Marie, and Antonette Leonardo. She always looked forward to family dinners at Poli’s Restaurant in Squirrel Hill. For her 90th birthday, her nieces arranged a visit to New York City to see the Broadway show, “Hello Dolly”, with Bette Midler and dinner at a little Italian restaurant. Helen exclaimed it was “The best birthday ever!”

Helen lived a long and rich life surrounded by family and friends. She was loved by over 36 nieces; nephews; great nieces; and great nephews. They always knew she would have that candy dish of M&M’s waiting for them when they visited. She rarely missed baptisms, communions, graduations, birthdays, weddings, picnics, or family gatherings. She was the favorite aunt, who provided fun moments at the swimming pool, the beach, the movies, or that one unforgettable train ride to Pittsburgh with a half dozen little cousins to see the “Nutcracker” at Heinz Hall.

Helen was preceded in death by her brothers, Joseph Leonardo; Patsy Leonardo; Dominick Leonardo (who she shared a home with for many years); Atillio Leonardo; and sister, Rose Leonardo Brletic. She is survived by her brother, Rudy (Joan) Leonardo of Frederick, MD.

Since 2017 Helen has resided in Mercy Ridge Retirement Community in Timonium, MD. The family is eternally grateful to her care giving angels, Monicah, Mary, Margaret, and Marjorie, who made sure she felt comfortable, happy, and loved.

Family and friends will meet on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412 678 6177) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Mary, Mother of God Parish, St. Angela Merici Church, 2701 Kelly Street, White Oak, PA 15131. An entombment will follow.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions in Helen’s name may be made to the Society of St Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh, 3048 Pioneer Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15226.

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com