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Wilfred Helie Obituary
AGE: 80 • Wilmington
Wilfred A. Helie (Wil) passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015 surrounded by family. Born in Nashua, NH on August 30, 1934, he was the youngest son of Hermile Helie and Marie Anne V. Helie. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1952, and joined the U.S. Air Force. Retiring out of Dover Air Force base as Master Sargeant after 24 years of service, Wil then graduated cum laude with a degree in business before accepting a position in the U.S. Navy in Philadelphia, PA as a civilian contract negotiator.
Wil is preceded in death by his parents, oldest brother, Gerald Helie, and granddaughter Kristie Smith. Dedicated to his family, Wil is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Linda L. Helie (Beebe) and his 7 children: Lydia Ratcliffe (Jeff) of Glen Bernie, MD, Carol Smith (Gordon) of Milo, ME, Louise Frist (Wayne) of Middletown, DE, Edward Helie of Dover, DE, Raymond Helie of Wilmington, DE, Ashley McGlone (Michael) of Boston, MA, and Kelley Helie of Newark, DE; 8 grandchildren: Christopher McLearie, Jason and Nicholas Smith, Kayla Huey, Jeremy and Brandon Frist, Brieann Slaughter and Amanda Helie, and 5 great-grandchildren: Kailyn and Alyssa McLearie, Bentley and Kiera Huey, and Hunter Smith. Wil is also survived by his brother Richard L. Helie of Hudson, NH, sister, Gertrude Dube of Nashua, NH, several nieces and nephews, and his mother-in-law Helen T. Beebe of Wilmington DE.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 from 6 - 8pm at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home 3924 Concord Pike (Rt. 202 South of Silverside Road), Wilmington, DE 19803. Services will be held on Thursday, June 4th at 11am at Grace Episcopal Church 4906 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be in the adjoin cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Episcopal Church or Delaware Humane Association 701 A Street Wilmington, DE 19801. To send condolences visit: mccreryandharra.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilfred Helie
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Carol
May 28, 2025
Hard to believe it's been 10 years Dad. Miss you and love you everyday till we see you again. Love you!
Lydia
August 30, 2016
A page in our book of memories is gently turned today. You're thought of every single day whatever time of year, but somehow more than ever now that your birthday is here. May the winds of heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here. The light of your life will never flicker dim.
Lydia
June 19, 2016
With caring thoughts of Dad on Father's Day, we are proud to be his children. Gone from our presence . . . alive in our hearts, we will never forget the feelings we felt the moment we lost him. We love you Dad, our hero so very much and miss you dearly.
May 28, 2016
It's hard to believe it's been a year since that awful day. I miss you and love you so much, Dad.
Carol
Lydia
May 28, 2016
One year ago today, the angels closed your eyes. The winds of time have a gentle way of softening burdens and strengthening memories. Seasons slip by and life goes on but from our hearts you're never gone. Embracing the birth of eternity, we send our love up to heaven to you every day.
Lydia
January 1, 2016
Though the sun of your life has set, our New Year is brightened with cherished recollections of a life so beautifully lived, blended with the blessings of today to make meaning for tomorrow. Never more than a thought away, you fill all of the empty spaces around us with love.
Lydia
December 25, 2015
Your love is here to guide us in everything we do, and we give thanks at Christmastime in memory of you. We'll always feel you close to us and though you're far from sight, we'll search for you among the stars that shine on Christmas night.
Lydia
November 26, 2015
In remembrance of Dad on Thanksgiving. For even with our heavy hearts, we know that we've been blessed to have been the ones whose lives he touched with warmth so infinite. Thank you for the gift your living brought to each of us. Close to our hearts you will always stay . . . loved and remembered every day.
August 30, 2015
Happy Birthday Dad! You are gone from us in this life but we have faith that we will see you again someday and that's what gets us through. We miss you more than words can say and we love you so very much. Hugs and kisses, Dad.
Carol and your Maine family
Lydia
August 30, 2015
In loving memory of Dad on this special day, a celebration of his birth. To hear your voice and see your smile and just to sit and talk to you would be our dearest wish today on this your birthday. The warm afterglow of your life shines brightly in our hearts. Always loved, forever missed.
Lydia
June 21, 2015
In loving tribute, respect and honor of a wonderful Dad on Father's Day. Even though you are gone, your strength sustains and comforts, and your memory lives on. Always on my mind, forever in my heart.
Joanne Reinert
June 17, 2015
My favorite memories of my early years with the Navy involve Wil. He was wonderful to work with! Extending my deepest sympathies to the Helie family.
Harry & Linda Weis
June 3, 2015
Our deepest sympathies go to Ray and his family. Although we cannot be there, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
June 2, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. His happy nature will always be remembered. I enjoyed him as a co-worker. Joe Caromano
Georgie Calhum
June 2, 2015
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers of comfort go out to you and your family.
Mike Capilato
June 2, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with Wil many years ago but thought about him frequently. He was one of those people who could make you laugh under any circumstances. He will be missed tremendously.
Barney McDevitt
June 2, 2015
His memory will serve as a benediction for me. Such a wonderful man! Prayers for the entire Helie family.
Carolyn Gormley
June 2, 2015
I worked with Wil many years ago. He was always making us laugh. I hope you find comfort in knowing that Wil was loved by many. He will be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Al Stracciolini
June 2, 2015
I'm sorry and saddened for your loss. Worked with Will many years ago and he was one of the funniest guys I've ever met.
Carol Jean Sawyer
June 1, 2015
We in Maine are saddened by the death of Mr. Helie as he is the father of our beloved Carol. All of your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort.
Beverly Myers
June 1, 2015
I worked with Will and was on his bowling team at the Philadelphia Naval Base. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Carol Rifon
June 1, 2015
Linda, Joe and I are so sorry to hear of such a loss. Will was always such a kind, happy man. I enjoyed my years in choir with him. He could always make you smile. I am so so sorry for loss. The Rifon's
June 1, 2015
Linda, sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Vicky and Collin Chase
June 1, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. God is loving and caring. He will open his hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
June 1, 2015
Linda I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Your memories will help to sustain you through these most difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Sheila M
Linda Rayias
May 31, 2015
Linda, John and I are so very sorry for your loss. We were glad we got to see Wil at the wedding a few weeks ago. We have fond memories of the camping trips we took together when all the girls were young. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
May 31, 2015
Linda, John and I are so very sorry for your loss. We were glad we got to see Wil at the wedding a few weeks ago. We have fond memories of our camping trips when the girls were young. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Linda and John Rayias
Regina Magee
May 31, 2015
Will was one of the funniest people I've had the pleasure of knowing. There was always a bright spot in my workday when I saw him and he said it's a great Navy day. He had the most understated sense of humor and always made me smile. He will truly be missed. My condolences to his family...
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