Helen J. Pastore

Helen Pastore of Rock Hill Road, High Falls died Monday, October 29, 2007. She was 85. She was born June 14, 1922 in Manhattan, a daughter of the late Thomas J. and Annie V. Miller Murtha. Born and raised in New York City, Ms. Pastore summered here in Ulster County on her family farm in High Falls since childhood. She was also a winter resident of Scottsdale, AZ. She was a graduate of the Interior Design School and Hunter College of the City University of New York. Ms. Pastore joined the New York City Police Department in 1952 at a time when there were only 300 women in the police force of 30, 000. She achieved the rank of Detective 1st. Grade and retired from the Queens District Attorney's office in 1973. During her twenty years on the force, she achieved numerous citations and awards for her dedicated and courageous service. Ms. Pastore performed undercover work while in the Detective's Bureau, including 6 months covertly infiltrating organized crime. Armed with an artistic flair, her composite sketches of criminals, based on victim's descriptions resulted in numerous arrests and convictions. Her role as a female detective interviewing assault and rape victims was a forerunner to the present-day Special Victim's Unit. She was an avid singer, musician, painter, horticulturist and designer. Following her retirement, Ms. Pastore traveled the world with her beloved husband, John "Buddy" Pastore, a fellow Police Sergeant. The recently celebrated their 50th. wedding anniversary at a gala on their farm. They also celebrated the centennial of their family's ownership of the farm, "The Maples". Helen was the matriarch of "The Maples" for over 50 years. Surviving in addition to her husband is her devoted sister, Irene Ryan, niece Martha Tardibuono and her husband Joe, and Ann Courtney, three grandnieces Christine, Nancy and Margaret, two grand nephews Joseph and Michael, and great-grand niece Katherine and nepehws Steven, John, Joseph, Michael, Vincent and Joey B. and a multitude of friends. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service held November 24, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at her High Falls residence, 205 Rockhill Road.