Helene Charnes

Helene Charnes, 69, of Lakeland, FL left this world on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born in Atlantic County, New Jersey to Anthony Cincotti and Harriet Cincotti (Leslie), who predeceased her, she spent her childhood in New Jersey. Helene is survived by her husband of 47 years, David B. Charnes Jr., her son, Christian M. Charnes, her grandson, Christian M. Charnes Jr., her daughter, Melissa A. Charnes and son-in-law, Paul A. Gibson III. She is predeceased by her son, David B. Charnes III, twin sister Rosemarie Cincotti, and sister Patricia Ireland. Beloved by her surviving siblings, brothers Anthony Cincotti Jr., Robert Cincotti, Frederick Cincotti, Francis Cincotti, Joseph Cincotti, James Cincotti, and sisters Mary Francis and Julyn Romano, and her mother-in-law Patricia Daley and the Charnes family, alongside so many in her bountiful extended family and found family that she embraced throughout her life. Helene graduated from Absegami High School in 1974, where she participated in Future Homemakers of America and Student Union. She later joined the United States Army, serving from 1975 to 1978. After meeting during their military service, she and David were married in 1978. Helene worked in restaurants, serving and bartending, and built a career in food service management, retiring from the State of New Jersey. Helene loved hunting for treasures, collecting antique and vintage books, jewelry, and decorative objects, seeing the value in all things and making them new again. Helene was “mom” to her children, and to so many others who she adopted into her life throughout the years, giving wisdom, comfort, and mothering to everyone in her sphere. Helene carried herself with graciousness and warmth through life’s gifts and trials, strong in her belief that the Lord would reunite her with her loved ones in the next life. A memorial service in honor of Helene will be held on Friday, June 13th at 1 p.m. at the Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home Southside, and friends and family are invited to gather afterwards at Swan Brewing from 2-4 p.m.. Helene will be laid to rest on Wednesday, June 18th at Laurel Memorial Park in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Friends and family are invited to honor Helene by sending flowers, sharing memories and photos, and in any manner that most comforts and resonates with them.

Helene Charnes

February 29, 1956 - June 9, 2025