Francis “Frank” Helstab

Francis "Frank" Xavier Helstab, 78, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Saturday, September 27th, 2025, after a 16-year battle with cancer. Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1947 to parents Ella Mary & Francis John Helstab. He attended grade school at Incarnation of Our Lord School in Olney and graduated high school from Cardinal Dougherty in 1965. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1965 during which he served on Embassy Duty in South & Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras and Buenos Aires, Argentina, and achieved the rank of Sergeant with commendations. Frank went on to achieve BBA in accounting and marketing, and a Juris Doctor from Temple University, graduating second in his class. Frank had a long & illustrious career in the world of finance, with specialty in mergers & acquisitions, that started on Wall Street and took him to Los Angeles, California, with letters of recommendation from some of the world's most influential leaders in finance & economics. While in Los Angeles, Frank met Melinda "Mindy" Jeanne Westmore, and they fell in love. They were wed in 1982, in Marina del Rey, California. They went on to have two children, Francis Jonas & Megan Jeanne, before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, where they welcomed their 3rd child, Chelsea Alysse. Frank & Mindy were married for 43 years before Frank's passing. Frank was a gifted and accomplished public speaker & educator whose powerful voice and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He maintained a deep passion for sports from youth, playing basketball, baseball and rugby. Frank loved the Phoenix Suns and all the Philadelphia teams, and remained a devoted, die-hard Philadelphia Eagles fan throughout his life. His Catholic faith and love of Jesus was a guiding force, grounding him in compassion, humility and purpose. Frank had a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life, forming deep, meaningful relationships that stood the test of time. His warmth, wisdom, and unwavering presence touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and enduring impact. Frank X Helstab is preceded by his mother, Ella, father, Frank John, oldest sister, Pat Helstab DeFilipo, and best friend, Paul Hackney. He is survived by his sisters Margie Helstab Blake, Regina Helstab Lutz, Elizabeth (Libby) Helstab Pickett, Marianne (Mair) Helstab, and Kathryn Helstab Houston; by his wife, Mindy Helstab, and his children, Jonas Helstab (Misha Helstab), Megan Helstab, and Chelsea Reynolds (Jarrett Reynolds) and by his grandchildren, Ella James, Francis Henry William, Molly Joyce, Nolan Fox, and Melinda Rose. Go Birds! Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5418659 Recorded Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1123337311 In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to our GoFundMe so we can fulfill his final wishes and support final funeral costs. http://gofund.me/d76480fe6