Michael J. Helnarski Jr.

CLIFTON PARK Michael J. Helnarski Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away on December 19th, at the age of 83 at Schuyler Ridge Healthcare Facility in Clifton Park. He was born on September 16,1942 and raised in Cohoes.

He was married to the love of his life, Mary Jo Helnarski (Barbeau), who grew up in Troy. He and his family lived in Troy before moving to Clifton Park.

Mike was predeceased by his mother Marion J. Band and his father Michael J Helnarski Sr.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jo and his four children, Mary Joan Smith (Jack Smith) of Troy; Lori Ann Jones (the late Paul Jones) of Tennessee; Michael Joseph Helnarski III of Clifton Park; and Lynn Bridget Jaeger of Lake George. He is also survived by his grandchildren Christopher Paul Jones, Connor Henry Jones (both of Tennessee); Rebecca Lynn Jaeger and Rachel Bridget Jaeger (both of Lake George). He will be sorely missed by his loving cousins and friends,

Mike was first and foremost a family man who made his family the primary focus of his life. He loved and appreciated spending time with his children and grandchildren. Before his retirement, Mike was employed for 40 years with the bus maintenance department of the Capital District Transportation Authority. He was a member of both the Troy and Clifton Park Rod and Gun Clubs.

His primary enjoyments were relaxing on the rear deck of his Clifton Park home and enjoying its swimming pool with family members. Mike also enjoyed fussing around the outside of his house and riding his lawnmower, especially in the fall picking up leaves around his house and the neighbor's houses. Cruising with his family and meeting new people were also things that he enjoyed doing.

His pride and joy was his truck, which he took great pleasure in driving around, both for short and long trips.

Mike was a true and genuine people person whose outgoing personality and good humor allowed him to make quick friends of everyone he met. Once at Schuyler Ridge he loved Bingo days and piloting his electric wheel chair around the facility bringing good cheer and lively conversation to the staff and other residents.

The Helnarski family would like to extend special thanks to the nursing staff at Schuyler Ridge for the outstanding care given to Mike.

Special thanks to Janice Johnson, Alison Richmond-Williams and the Hospice team. You certainly, are Angels on Earth.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Activities at Schuyler Ridge or Hospice would be appreciated.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 am at St. Edward's Church in Clifton Park. Interment will follow at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna.

Relatives and friends may visit with his family at the church on Friday from 9-10 am prior to the Mass.