Andrew S. "Andy" Helmick

Andrew “Andy” Helmick, 59, ran his last trail here on earth (minus the invasive honeysuckle) and into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ on July 6, 2025 after a courageous battle against a rare cancer. Andy was born on January 27, 1966, in Troy, Ohio to Sue and Penrod Helmick. Andy went to Milton Union High School, where he began his running career.

Andy’s professional journey began at Woolpert Global Headquarters, where he worked as a talented graphic designer. After a couple of decades of service, Andy left Woolpert to dedicate the rest of his life to serving others.

Andy loved people and he could make you feel special when he called you by name after only knowing you for a short while. Andy was a caregiver and became a certified STNA, working in local hospitals and nursing homes; he cared for loved ones at home as well. He was a paraprofessional for a student in Xenia Community Schools whose parents commented that Andy was able to help their student in a way that others had not been able to do before. Andy’s life of service continued at the Xenia YMCA as the Membership Coordinator where he helped lead the LiveStrong Program, of which he became a participant after his cancer diagnosis. Andy most recently worked at the Coffman YMCA in Springboro where he was the Membership Director. He loved his Y community.

Andy was the most outgoing introvert you could ever meet. But Andy got his energy from being alone. Trail running was his favorite thing, and he spent hours enjoying God’s creation running local trails in John Bryan State Park or Glen Helen Nature Preserve among other parks. He was good at running and was a strong competitor, usually finishing races in the top 10 percent of finishers. He ran marathons, including the Xenia Marathon and Boston Marathon, ultramarathons including 50- and100-mile trail runs such as Leadville Trail 100 Run, Burning River and the Mohican, stage races and countless other shorter races, usually placing well above other competitors. But his stats were not the most impressive thing about Andy. He had a gentle heart and a true desire to help others achieve their running goals. Throughout his career, Andy helped others qualify for the Boston Marathon, as well as other 50- and 100-mile trail runs and paved the way for a father to push his wheelchair-bound daughter in marathons.

He invested time in Ohio River Road Runners Club, acting as the ORRRC’s secretary, Vice President and President. He was also awarded Lifetime Member. During his time on the board of ORRRC, Andy directed races including the Xenia Marathon, designed and maintained running trails, and paved the way for others to enjoy the sport of running.

Though running was his passion, Andy also enjoyed playing volleyball with friends at Miami Valley Sand and at the Y. His volleyball friends became a close-knit group, taking epic trips together, becoming each other’s emergency contacts and gathering monthly for framily dinner.

Andy’s contributions extended beyond personal enjoyment; Andy was immensely happy to serve and be a part of his faith community at Faith Ignited Church. Whether greeting people at the door on a Sunday morning, giving kids snacks at the after-school program or traveling across the globe to serve our sister church in Kakinada, India, Andy served with humility and love. He was always so thankful to be able to worship at Faith Ignited on a Sunday morning. Most of all, Andy loved Jesus and it was his faith in Jesus that gave him courage and strength to face the monster of cancer without fear.

Andy is survived by his loving wife, Sherri; mother, Sue Helmick, sister Wendy (Jeff) Farmer, sister Jody (John) Henry, and brother Matt (Kristy) Helmick. Andy is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Zoe, Matthew and Jazmyn whom Andy often encouraged to hold hands and pray for meals before eating.

Andy is predeceased by his father, Penrod Helmick.

Andy will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit and amazing sense of humor, athleticism, and gentle way that he loved and served others, making life better with his presence. Andy, your community will miss you dearly. You made a difference.

The family would like to thank Dr. Lavelle, his nurse Milissa and their team, Dr. Knecht, his nurse, Linda and the radiation team at Soin, including Karah, and the caring staff at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, especially Marisa, Judy, Nicole and Brooke. Thank you all for what you do and the kind way that you do it.

A celebration of life service will be held for Andy on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Salem Church of God in Clayton, Ohio at 11:00 AM with Pastor Aaron Chivington officiating. Friends and family are welcome to gather for a light meal at the church following the service from 12:00-2:30 PM. M&M casserole will be served.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Ignited Church (faithignited.church) or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.