Robert Helbeck

Robert Helbeck, 79, of Monroeville died Friday, Feb. 13, 2004, in his home after a lengthy illness. He was born Jan. 14, 1925, in Turtle Creek to John and Margaret (Lawrence) Helbeck. He served his nation in the Army during World War II and worked most of his life at the Fisher Body plant, West Mifflin, retiring July 1, 1983. He was one of the original members of Monroeville Christian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder and on various committees. He is survived by his wife, Alice (Bailie) Helbeck, whom he married on Dec. 13, 1945; daughters, Mrs. William (Cheryl) Loish of Monroeville and Mrs. Ralph (Arla) Sadler of McComb, Miss.; sons, James (Linda Dillon) Helbeck of Port St. Lucie, Fla., and Robert J. (Sarah Curtis) Helbeck of East Palestine, Ohio; grandchildren, Ralph E. (Aura) Sadler of Richmond, Va., Mrs. Tom (Nicole) Zilli of South Greensburg, Mrs. Christopher (Shawna) Tennet of West Mifflin and Misses Carlie and Chelsie Helbeck of East Palestine; stepgranddaughter, Mrs. Michael (Kim) Bagatell; sister, Mrs. John (Betty) Plavitch of Braddock Hills; great-grandchildren, Shane Loish, Bailie Zilli, Joshua Tennet and Grace Sadler; stepgreat-grandson, Dillon Bagatell, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by granddaughter Tanya Loish, who died in 1994. Tanya held a special place in Bob's heart, as she was his first grandchild. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Friends received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the GENE H. CORL FUNERAL CENTER, 4335 Northern Pike, Monroeville. Everyone is asked to gather at Monroeville Christian Church, Northern Pike, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, followed by a service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Bob to the church or Forbes Hospice.