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HARRY HELMS Obituary
HARRY N., JR.
Harry graduated from West Catholic High School in Philadelphia and enlisted in the United States Army in 1943. As a member of the 94th Infantry Division, he proudly served in St. Nazaire, France during World War II. After returning to civilian life, Harry graduated from Villanova University and later went on to earn his Master's in Education from Temple University. In 1949, Harry married the love of his life, Jeanne Smyth, and they began their 64 year journey together, settling down in the wilds of Downingtown, PA, to raise a family.
Harry is remembered by countless students as principal of two Delaware County Vo-tech schools, longtime SS. Philip and James basketball coach, and advisor for many Science Olympiad competitions.
After his retirement, Harry and Jeanne traveled the world together and with their beloved "DOZI" gang.
A dedicated volunteer, Harry served for 20 years on the board of the Downingtown Area Historical Society and was an active member of the American Legion in West Chester. He was particularly committed to his own 94th Infantry, serving as secretary/treasurer and contri-buting to the passing of the torch to new generations of veterans and their families.
Harry is survived by his children; Mark Helms (Bobbi), Maureen Wenck (Taylor), Marylou Starner (Bob), Margie Helms, and Madelyn Mueller (Steve), as well as 12 grand-children and 15 great grand-children. In addition to his parents and wife, Jeanne, Harry is preceded in death by his brother, John Helms, and son, Michael Helms. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harry's honor can be made to the Exchange Club Family Center, 310 N. Matlack St., West Chester, PA. Due to COVID-19, Harry's Services will be private.
To send online condolences, visit www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for HARRY HELMS
3 Entries
Judy Perego-Williams
December 21, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Harry’s death. I knew him through Chester County Toastmasters. Harry was witty, an interesting speaker, very kind, and a true friend to me and my late husband. I will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his children - you had a GREAT dad!!
Tony
July 12, 2020
Mr. Helms was truly one of a kind. An inspiration from the first time I met him. I dont mind saying that in his (late) 80s, he out-read me at the beach (bouncing between Mark Twain and current events like North Korea) and also beat me at horseshoes...a few times I think. Rest easy, Mr. Helms. Your family was one of the finest Ive ever known. Im sure my grandparents were waiting patiently for you and Jeanne to reunite and travel the heavens together, as you all were meant to do. Please tell them I said hi, Mr. Helms. And thank you for the long lifetime of good you brought to the world.
Rose Medwick Crupi
July 11, 2020
My sincere condolences to the family of Harry.I thank him for his service in the military and beyond, in the keeping of memories of that service thru all he did for the 94th Association.
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