Donald Jay Helmick

On Sunday May 11th, Donald Jay Helmick - often referred to as Don, Donner, or Donnie - passed away at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA at the age of 54. Close family, including his children, attended to his bedside in the hospital the day he passed.

Donnie was born August 31, 1970 in Montgomery County Maryland to father, James Martin and mother, Dorena Castle Helmick. He grew up in Springfield, VA alongside his two older brothers, Jeffrey and Dwayne who often called him "the smart one." He loved his children, Morgan, born 1992, and Spencer, 1996, and continually pushed them to live bigger lives. Donnie would tell anyone who would listen about his daughter's MBA and his son's CPA, and was blessed to have attended both of their weddings.

Donnie's first job was as a neighborhood newspaper delivery boy and as a teenager he worked at Exxon beside his best friend Tony Edwards. Throughout his life, Donnie stayed within the automotive industry, working most notably at Fairfax Honda where he developed dozens of decades-long friendships. At the time of his passing, he was the Parts Manager at Moore Cadillac in Chantilly.

Donnie was known for his work ethic, infectious humor, and devotion to his friends and family. He was often strict but fair, and had a movie quote he could fit into nearly any circumstance - often quizzing his children on where it came from. He loved the beach, Vegas, Twizzlers, Motley Crue, Seinfeld, and Top Gun - but shrimp more than anything else. Additionally, he was a huge fan of old arcade games, including Galaga and Mission Command, enjoyed playing golf, and around the holidays he could be found under Christmas trees tinkering with model trains.

Donnie's passing has reunited him with his beloved father, Jim, and his close friend Curtis "CQ" Quick.

While the family has plans to hold a Celebration of Life, a date has yet to be determined. In the interim, and in lieu of flowers, please donate to Toys For Tots, a cause he always supported.