Gary Helmbrecht

Dr. Gary Helmbrecht Dr. Gary Helmbrecht, 53, beloved father and husband, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at his home.

Gary was born on April 17, 1957, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.

Gary is survived by his bride of 13 years, Jocelynn and their two children Emerson, age 11, and Wesley, age 9. His other children Aaron, age 27, and Leah, age 25; and his nieces, Sierra, age 16, Val, age 14, and Jessica, age 11, for whom he was guardian. Siblings are Richard, Mike, Thomas, Jennifer, Paul and his wife Kalpana.

Dr. Gary Helmbrecht obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1984. He began a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. He served his nation proudly in the Navy Medical Corps, United States actively from 1984 until 1990 and remained in the inactive reserve until his death. Between 1992 and 1994, Dr. Helmbrecht completed a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He was widely published in his field and was considered an expert in the care and management of high-risk pregnancies.

Dr. Helmbrecht began practicing maternal-fetal medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, in October 2004. He was instrumental in expanding the Prenatal Diagnosis Center, a regional center for the care of high-risk pregnancies. He was skilled in a specific surgical procedure that prevented early pregnancy loss. His expert management of these patients yielded many near-term and term pregnancies. Additionally, he had an extensive knowledge of addiction disorders in pregnancy. His authoritative article in The Journal of Addiction Medicine has enabled many obstetricians to manage the care of these difficult pregnancies. His commitment to patients with addictions led to the establishment of care to these patients in labor and delivery at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

Dr. Helmbrecht also treated non pregnant patients suffering from addiction. He found incredible fulfillment by helping these patients overcome and manage their disease.

Dr. Helmbrecht's extensive knowledge, expert skills, and willingness to provide optimal care to his patients will be greatly missed.

Dr. Helmbrecht was a member of many professional societies. These included the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, American Society of Addiction Medicine, Virginia Society of Addiction Medicine, American Telemedicine Association, American Institute of Ultrasound Medicine, New York Academy of Science, Virginia Medical Society. He held academic appointments over the years at the Uniformed Services University of Health Services, Georgetown University Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical School, and Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Helmbrecht was passionate about politics and worked tirelessly for the GOP. As a member of the Physicians Council for Responsible Reform, he offered his expertise to congressional candidates and sitting congressmen. Gary was a member of the Jefferson Area Tea Party and spoke at several of their events. He thoroughly enjoyed speaking on the Rob Schilling Show and Joe Thomas in the Morning.

Gary cared deeply about people and began volunteering at the Pregnancy Center in Charlottesville in 2009 performing ultrasounds. He was passionate about the gift of life.

Gary and Jocelynn were members and actively involved in the church family at Cornerstone Church in Crozet, Virginia.

Gary's compassion for children with special needs led him to establish the Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome Foundation in 2001 in honor of his youngest son, Wesley. The foundation paid for medical equipment and supplies to children with special needs. He loved and sponsored the regional gatherings of families and supported the yearly events.

Gary gave endlessly of himself. He loved abundantly and touched the lives of his wife and children, patients, politicians, colleagues, and family. All that he did was out of a deep faith in God. He will be missed tremendously by all who loved and knew him.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made to the Wesley T. Helmbrecht RTS Foundation at 430 Foxdale Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

A memorial service celebrating Gary's life will be conducted 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2011, at Covenant Church, with Pastor Jon Quesenberry officiating.

Friends may sign the guest register at teaguefuneralhome.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.