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Peter A. Helffrich, 59, of Whitehall, died Friday, December 28. He was the companion of Bruce F. Brown for 24 years. Born in Allentown, he was the son of Virginia A. (Benner) Helffrich and the late Peter J. Helffrich. Peter was a fine musician who sang, played a variety of instruments and taught guitar and piano. He loved the written and spoken word, and was witty, intelligent and creative. He had a sweet heart and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. Survivors: Companion Bruce; mother Virginia A. of Bethlehem; brother David and his wife Terre of Yadkinville, NC; sisters Audrey Helffrich and her partner Edward Chencinski of Poughkeepsie, NY, Andrea Bachman and her husband John of Catasauqua; two nieces; two nephews; and a stepson Justin Brown of Palmerton. Services: 11 a.m., Saturday, January 5, at Trexler Funeral Home, 1625 Highland St., Allentown. Calling time and burial will be private. www.trexlerfuneralhome.com Contributions: in memory of Peter can be made to the charity of ones choice.
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I knew Peter a long time ago at Broughal Junior High, seventh and eighth grades. For ninth I was transferred to another school and eventually we lost touch. He was a good friend then, and I regret that we never reconnected. I hope that life treated him kindly. My sympathies to you who knew and have now lost him.
Sergei Hasenecz
January 5, 2013
Bruce, Andrea, and the rest of the family,
Peter was my first boyfriend and has always had a special place in my heart. I am so sorry that I've been out of touch for so long. I can't make the service as I have an awful cold, but I will be thinking of you. Some memories from the past: Peter having learned a Joni Mitchell song and being so proud to play it for me, Peter making a meal he was so proud of he would take a picture of it to show off (long before all the foodies did this routinely!), sitting under the Christmas tree staring at the lights when we were very young. I also remember, Bruce, visiting you two right after you had gotten a puppy, which fell asleep on my foot! Many, many good memories, and I can't believe we won't be able to make more. Miss you, Peter.
- love, Kitty
January 4, 2013
Peter was an amazing person, stepfather to Justin, step-grandfather to Miranda, and stepfather-in-law to myself.
I enjoyed the stories he would tell me about Justin as a child, especially the one about Justin's ripped shirt... it was a "hoot".
Whenever he was around Miranda he always went out of his way to spend as much time with her as possible, and that is something that truly touched my heart.
Peter, you are missed, but you will live on in my memories forever.
Love,
Tiff
January 3, 2013
Dee
January 3, 2013
I was so sad to see Peter's obituary. My father passed away on the 19th and I was checking his Guestbook when I saw the notice. Pete shared a room next door to our home on Chew St in Allentown many years ago. He also was kind enough to try to teach me guitar. I will share a silly story. Pete and his roommate shared rooms on the third floor. My rooms were also on the third floor. Both homes shared the same flat roof and our windows opened out to the roof. One night I was almost asleep when I heard a noise outside my window. I peeked out from under the sheets and saw two glowing eyes looking in at me. Of course I let out scream and dove right back under the covers. Once I got my wits about me, I peeked again and this time there was a voice that went with the eyes and it said, "Meow?" I couldnt imagine how this poor kitty got three stories up onto our roof, so I brought it in, took it downstairs and put it outside in the yard. What I didnt know was that Pete got a cat. What Pete couldnt figure out was how the cat got off the roof and was waiting to be let in the backdoor that night. We all had a good laugh.
I know how difficult it is right now. Its nice to hear shared memories of our loved ones at this time. God share his strength with all of you. From an old Chew St neighbor.
Brenda (Nuss) Dudeck
January 2, 2013
Bruce...Peter always had a song in his heart and a tune at the ready regardless if he sang or played it. I have many fond memories of him. Peter touched so many lives in many ways and will be fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know him. I once read "the beauty of a life well-lived never dies...it continues to embrace and inspire us". May you find comfort in your loving memories of your Peter. Love, Ellen
January 2, 2013
Good Morning Friends & Family:
I'm so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. This is such shocking news! Peter and I worked together at FCFCU for 4 years. He was my manager. It was truly a blessing and a privilege to know and work with someone as special as Peter. He was full of intellegence & a man with an extremely generous heart. He will be sorely missed. My prayer is that the Lord comfort all of Peter's family & friends in this time of bereavement. God Bless:~)
Yashika Johnson
January 2, 2013
I am so sad to hear of Peter's passing. Peter was my boss for five years and we became close during that time. I would think of him often & wonder how he was doing after we didn't work together anymore. My sympathies go out to Bruce & all of his family. I know I never met any of you but heard much about you through Peter. I am so sorry for your loss.
Christine Steckel
January 1, 2013
Bruce,
my heart goes out to you in your loss; what a terrible shock this must have been...Peter was lovable for so many reasons; his kind heart, the way he shared the gift of his music with others, and his truthfulness; he was very truthful about the way he saw life and the world, and from that came his incredible sense of humor...I had some of the best laughs of my life with Peter...I will treasure the memories of our long talks, solving the problems of the world...Peter left us way too soon...it was a blessing to have had him in my life
Always,
Leila
January 1, 2013
Dear Bruce,
It was a privilege to have Peter as my treasured brother-in-law for so many years. His devotion to you warmed my heart and you made each other very happy. So often he would read to me or email his poetry. I remember how often he would play background music on the piano while you and I were on the phone. Do you remember when he played and sang 'Irma' at one of our family gatherings? To use one of his favorite expressions, "What a hoot!" My memories of Peter are fond and many and will be in my heart forever.
Your Loving Sister,
Ellie
January 1, 2013
Bruce,
So sorry you have lost your Peter. He was always good to you and Justin, he was always good to me. He and his many takents will be missed by many. Peter, I am so sorry to see you go. I will miss your dry humor and hearty laugh.
Love, Sandy
January 1, 2013
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