VILLANOVA, Pa. – Helene Mercanti, an integral part of the Villanova Basketball staff since 2011, died peacefully Thursday morning after a battle with cancer.
 
Mercanti came to Villanova in 1999 and served in the University's Procurement Office until joining the Men's Basketball program as Administrative Assistant to Head Coach Jay Wright nine years ago. In addition to oversight of Wright's schedule, she played a pivotal role in a range of key duties within the basketball program. She received NCAA national championship rings in both 2016 and 2018.
 
"Helene inspired our team and all of those who entered the office with her generosity and kindness," stated Wright. "Our program benefitted from her expertise in so many ways but above all we were blessed to have been able to call Helene an amazing friend. Our nickname within our office for Helene was "Dream". To us, it perfectly captured who she was to us – a 'Dream: to work with."
 
Mercanti is survived by her husband Jack and daughters Christine (Steve) and Gina (Tadd) as well as grandchildren Stella and Michael. 
 
"For Patty and me, Helene was an invaluable resource and treasured friend," Wright said. "We extend our condolences to Jack, Christine, Gina, along with the Capobianchi and Mercanti families."
 
"Helene was a key part of the foundation of Villanova Basketball and Villanova Athletics," added Villanova Director of Athletics Mark Jackson. "A steady, consistent, committed Wildcat that helped guide us on so many fronts. Her warm welcoming presence and friendship and will be irreplaceable. This is a very sad day for NovaNation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband Jack and the entire family."

Due to COVID-19regulations, services are private to immediate family members only. A livestream of the funeral mass will be available and a link will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Helene's name may be made to Overbrook School for the Blind (https://www.obs.org/get-involved/donate.cfm) or the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html).