John David Helsel

Bob and I send our heartfelt condolences to David's family. We attended the lovely memorial service and are sorry we were unable to greet you in person at the reception that followed. I first met David and Virginia through the East Lyme Arts Council Chorus when we performed together in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas almost 40 years ago. Bob and I got to know them as friends when we later moved across the street from the Helsels on Gallup Lane in Waterford. David and I would often meet...

David and Virginia were genuinely friendly and welcoming when we came to church. They made choir a pleasure. They led by example. David was open about his life and humble about God´s place in it. Here are 2 pictures from First Congregational Church in New London´s 350th Anniversary and from an annual summer fair in 1992.

Mr. Helsel took me in when I needed a foundation to start my young adult life. And many years later, my first two boys holds their middle names in his memory "David" "Helsel". You will always be a dad to me. I will always pass your kindness forward.

Decades of great memories - fruit and vegetables from the garden, splashing in the pool, homemade sangria, picnics, holidays, family. Much love, Marti

David was a lovely man, loved by my parents,Reg and Joan Moignard, as he performed in many of the East Lyme Arts Council Gilbert and Sullivan shows Mum Directed and Dad either performed in or Stage Managed. He was an integral member of the group with his wife Ginny. God bless him and his family. Please say hello to Mum and Dad in heaven, "Hail Poetry" !!