Robert Allen Helfant

Robert Allen Helfant, of Key West, died in Miami on August 10,2022, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of Jack and Shirley Lipsky Helfant, of blessed memory. He is survived by his wife Robin Helfant. They have been together for twenty-three years and have a beautiful blended family with Robert's daughter Holly Helfant and Robin's daughters Jenny Stanton (Josh) and Lisa Peterson. Their grandson Liam Stanton was a joy in his grandpa's life. Robert is also survived by his sisters Sheila Josephberg (Bob), Joan Irvine, (Bobby Dolsey) and Rebecca Saunders. Nephews Tobin Irvine (Aditi), Jaime Irvine (Kristina) and niece Jennifer Josephberg, great nieces Indira Irvine and Effie Irvine and step mother Dorcas Helfant Browning.

The Virginia Beach Fire Department mourns the passing of Master Firefighter Robert Helfant who joined the department in October, 1984 and retired in May, 2010. While with the VBFD, Robert was assigned to the Haz-Mat team, Fire Instructor and as a member of the FEMA VA-TF2 Urban Search and Rescue Team which included the Oklahoma City Bombing and The Pentagon on 9/11. In addition, Robert served honorably with the PACHVRS from 1977 in many roles for over two decades and obtained life membership in 1988. He served as Rescue Captain (chief), VBEMS Dive Team Commander, VBEMS Duty Chief (Field Supervisor) and was the former Technical Rescue Operations commander (TechObs1) . Robert was awarded the VBEMS Medal of Honor in 1993.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 5 p.m. at the Harry E. Diesel Fire Training Center, 927 South Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach, 23451. Our family welcomes you to join us.

Donations may be made In Robert's memory to the John H. Burbage Cancer Center 9919 Stephen Decatur Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842