John David Helsel

1930 - 2023

New London - John David Helsel, 93, passed peacefully in his sleep Monday, Sept. 18, 2023. Born in 1930, in Abington, Pa., to Chester and Carrie Helsel, he grew up the second youngest of four siblings on the family farm in Chalfont, Pa., where he raised goats and sold their milk in the surrounding area.

He entered the U.S. Navy in 1950, rose to the rank of Chief and enjoyed a long career sailing the world, with postings in Europe, and Asia. He ended his naval career in Groton, and spent several years after his retirement working in clinical research at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

During his long life, he never strayed far from his agricultural roots, always keeping a garden wherever possible and spending his later work life as a landscaper and horticulturist (Master Gardener, State of Connecticut). He was married to the late Virginia Helsel; and is survived by his daughter Cynthia Helsel Skier (from a previous marriage); stepchildren: Andrea Simmons, Jonathan Simmons and Mark Simmons; and step-grandchildren; and great-grandchildren, who knew and loved him as "Bapa."

Among his varied interests, John David was an avid singer and actor. He was a longtime member of the East Lyme Gilbert and Sullivan Players, where he frequently took lead male roles in shows including "Trial by Jury," "The Pirates of Penzance," "The Gondoliers," "H.M.S Pinafore," and "The Mikado." Additionally, he was a frequent soloist with choral and symphonic groups in the greater New London area, performing a wide variety of sacred works, including Handel's "Messiah," "The Creation" (Hayden), Bach Cantatas, and staged works, including "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (Menotti).

John David was a generous man who was ready to lend a hand to neighbor and stranger alike. Throughout his life, he often volunteered to offer support to young people who lacked the family support and opportunities he enjoyed. He always thought that he could make a difference where it was needed and, in this way, he touched many lives. He was a long-time, active member of the First Church Congregational in New London, where he was a faithful member of the choir and active in positions of leadership.

We will celebrate his life in a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the First Church Congregational in New London. The family asks that all donations be made to the Nature Conservancy of Connecticut.