Howard Helmer, Sr.

Howard Helmer, Sr. of Wilton, Maine, died peacefully on May 1, 2019 with his beloved wife, Jean, at his bedside surrounding him with love day and night. Howard and Jean were from May's Landing and shared live together for 36 years. Howard, 69, was born in Philadelphia in 1950 to Bertha and George Helmer, Sr. He had wonderful memories of his early years in the city and would delight in telling stories of the life he shared with his brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends. Indeed it was a life rich in so many ways that had nothing to do with money. Howard was a storyteller, a dreamer, a master builder, and proficient in all construction trades. There was nothing he couldn't fix. If he didn't have the part he needed, he would make it! Howard is survived by his two daughters, Shawn Malave and Martha Helmer, and his son, David Helmer. He also had two grandchildren, A.J. Malave and Kaila Wilson, whom he loved dearly. Howard is also survived by his brother, George Helmer, Jr. and his wife, Carole; his sisters, Carole Laughlin and her husband, Mike; Rosemarie Scheller and her husband, Andrew; Joyce Neher and husband, Tom; and Sandra Centone and her husband, John, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. What will always remain with us is Howard's indomitable Spirit, his passion and zest for life, his ability to see something before it became manifest, and his open heart that welcomed old and new friends alike. Howard loved to dance. His life, his love, his dance are his message and his legacy. Grief is the price we pay for love. What we have deeply loved and enjoyed about Howard we can never lose because all that we loved has become a part of us. A celebration of his life will be held in New Jersey for all to attend.