Robert "Bob" Anthony Helmrich

Robert "Bob" Helmrich of Stanley, NC passed away on January 4, 2025, aged 75. Born in New York City, he was predeceased by his parents Fay Anthony Gorman and Arthur Helmrich, and stepfather John Gorman.

He attended Cardinal Hayes High School, Bronx, NY. and was a graduate of Fordham University Class of 1971, BA in History. He participated in the "Mexico Project", summers 1969 and 1970. Upon graduation, he joined VISTA (AmeriCorp) and was relocated to Plantersville, South Carolina, where he helped the community with economic development. . At the end of his two-year service, he became a social worker in Beaufort, SC and continued his work in Summerville, SC., where he met his wife.

He was a 45-year resident of Summerville. Retired from the Department of Social Services, he was a congregant of St John the Beloved Church, where he volunteered with St Vincent De Paul Society, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and founded a youth theatre group, where he wrote, directed and acted in plays which were performed in locations varying from nursing homes to prisons . He also performed with the Flowertown Players. He was a 40-year member of Toastmasters, spending many years with the Greenwave Gabbers (Summerville) and Lake Norman (NC) Toastmasters and competed in local and state competitions. He was a lifelong NY Yankees fan.

In 2022, he and his wife relocated to Stanley, NC, where they were congregants of St Peter By The Lake, Episcopal Church.

Bob leaves behind his wife Freida Helmrich, brother Tom Helmrich (Marlene) of Blaine, MN, sister Ann Gorman Chesler (David) of Stamford, CT, sister-in-law Patsy Sanders (Ralph) of Raleigh, NC, brother-in-law Walden Palmer Jr. of Stanley, NC and many nephews and nieces.

A graveside service was held at Hollybrook Cemetery, Lincolnton, NC.