Robert J. Helkowsky Sr.

YORK, Maine - Robert J. Helkowsky Sr., of York, Maine, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at home, surrounded and prayed for by family, and today he stands precious in the sight of the Lord (Psalm 116:15). Born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 1936, to the late Victor and Mildred Helkowsky.

Robert graduated from Scottdale High School and then served a short period in the U. S. Army until August 1955 when he entered the U. S. Air Force, where he was trained in Logistics and would go on to serve his country honorably for the next thirty years, retiring in 1984 as a Chief Master Sergeant. He retired once more after managing several Cumberland Farms locations.

It was during his first assignment at Loring AFB, Maine; in February 1961, that he married the love of his life, the former Ina M. Rossignol in Van Buren. Bob was an incredible father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He was passionate about football; especially when watching his Steelers play. He loved snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, and spending many weekends camping with his family while living in Alaska for 11 years. He liked being outside, doing gardening and home improvements; working with wood, and was always there to help friends with home projects or whatever else they needed him for.

He was extremely loving and proud of his three children, Leslie Gipson and her husband Lucky, of Wasilla, Alaska; Robert Helkowsky Jr. and his wife Amy of Berwick, and Neil Helkowsky and his girlfriend Karen Cote, of South Berwick. He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 57 years, Ina; his sister, Joan Fiedor and niece, Jeannine Fiedor, of Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and grandchildren, Josh Gipson (Taryl Cordova); Jamie Gipson (Alex Delanuez); Zach Blanchette; Katrina Blanchette; as well as his many loving friends.

While serving his country, Bob completed classes through both the University of Alaska and the University of Maryland and still found time to volunteer his time throughout his military career and into retirement with the Boy Scouts, Eielson Youth Center, Toys for Tots, Pease Greeters, serving as VFW Post 6977 Commander, and donating gallons of blood to the American Red Cross.

SERVICES: The family will receive friends on Friday, March 9, from 6-8 p.m., at the JS. Pelkey Funeral Services, 125 Old Post Rd., in Kittery. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 10 at St. Christopher's Church, 4 Barrel Lane, York. Immediately following, a final salute to signify gratitude for his service will be rendered by the Military Honor Guard at the church entrance; and then please join the family at a small reception in the fellowship hall downstairs. Bob was a veteran of the Vietnam War and will be laid to rest with honors at the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale.

A special thank you to the Beacon Hospice in Pease for their loving care and support of our dad. Memorials in Bob's name may be made to Beacon Hospice at 25 New Hampshire Avenue, suite 272, Portsmouth, NH 03801, in lieu of flowers.

Care for the Helkowsky family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com.