John "Big Wig" Helwig Jr.

It is with heavy hearts and great respect that we announce the passing of John Henry Helwig Jr., affectionately known to many as Big John or Big Wig - the founder and original driving force to multiple business on Bridegport and New Haven Ave, originally Helwig's Café and John Henry's, and of course now Big Wig's Sports Bar. John passed away on July 2, 2025, after a long illness. He was 73 years old.
John was born on August 7, 1951, in New Haven, Connecticut, to John Henry Helwig Sr. and Vivian Marie (Moshier) Helwig. He grew up in Milford, where his legacy would take root and thrive. He was the proud brother of Katherine Wise (who predeceased him) and Richard Helwig. Married in 1991 to the love of his life Rose Marie and the loving father of John Helwig III and Melissa Helwig, will proudly and truly miss his existence every day continuing his legacy. He also leaves behind a huge extended family with many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends - people who knew the depth of his loyalty, generosity, and love.
John attended Central Grammar School and graduated from Milford High School in the class of 1969. Even as a boy, his work ethic was unmatched - delivering newspapers for the Milford Citizen, New Haven Register, and Bridgeport Post; pumping gas at the Flying A on Cherry Street; and working at the First National grocery store all before he turned 18. After high school, John served in the Connecticut National Guard for six years, proud to wear the uniform and do his part following a family of service.
He was also a proud member of the Milford Elks and the Kiwanis Club for 20 years, where his passion for community and service always shone through. John was always involved with any school functions at Amity where his children attended school. You could find him behind the snack bar or holding the pylons for the Youth football games. Wherever he was needed he never hesitated to help. Blazing the trail with the Lacrosse community he showed the game how to tailgate the Milford way.
But to truly understand John Helwig, you had to meet him - and once you did, you never forgot him. Big John wasn't just a guy with a bar - he was the bar. He was the soul of the room, the handshake at the door, the booming laugh in the crowd. He believed in second chances, and in community. He gave opportunities to people who needed them, listened to every story, and never let his doors - or his heart - close to anyone in need. His name became a staple in Milford. People may not have known who the mayor was, but they sure knew John Helwig. He was a hometown legend, the kind of man whose impact ripples far beyond what any of us can measure. His legacy lives on in every plate of wings served, in every regular who pulls up a stool at Big Wigs, and in every laugh that echoes across the room he built. This isn't a goodbye. It's a salute. Legends never die, Born to be Wild.
Friends and family are invited to gather on Saturday July 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT. We welcome all who respected and shared memories with Big John to gather with us in honoring his legacy for the wake service.
Big Wigs will remain open during regular hours (11:00 AM – 2:00 AM) to celebrate the legend himself. An after-party in Big John's honor will follow the services - details to come
To light a candle or leave a condolence please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com