Helbig, Erich H.

Erich H. Helbig

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Erich H. Helbig of Geneva, NY (formerly of Fairport, NY), on February 7, 2024 at the age of 95.  He was predeceased just recently by the love of his life, Concetta (Connie) Helbig after having just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  

Erich was born January 13,1929 in Reading, Pennsylvania to Erich O. and Elizabeth (Mengel) Helbig.  At 17 he enlisted in the United States Navy, proudly serving on the USS Midway from 1946 – 1949 and the USS Coral Sea from 1951 – 1952.  Upon discharge, using the GI Bill, he enrolled at Rider College where he earned his BS in Engineering.  In 1962 he was recruited by Xerox Corporation and moved the family from Doylestown, PA to Fairport, NY.  He had a 20-year career with Xerox before taking an early retirement in 1982.  He went on to become a self-employed investor for the remainder of his life. 

He is survived by his children Erich (Rick) (Sharon) Helbig, Gregory Helbig, and Nina (George) Perin, grandchildren Claire Helbig, Erich (Kayla) Helbig, and Renee Johnson (Jeff Woodcock), great-grandchildren Madison McLaughlin and Jaxon Woodcock, sisters Barbara Brown and Carolyn Hatt, brothers Karl and Gerald (Jake)(Christine), and sister-in-law Joanne Bruno.  In addition, he was beloved by many nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was pre-deceased by sisters Alma, Margaret, Katherine (Kate), and brother Robert.

He was devoted to his Lutheran faith and volunteered his services to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport for many years.  Erich and Connie loved to travel, visiting Australia and Europe several times, China, New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, and just about every state in the USA.  They found they especially loved the Southwestern United States and began spending the winter months in Laughlin, Nevada.  Erich was an avid gardener and grew a variety of plants and delicious vegetables for most of his life.  He was a lover of gems and jewelry making and participated in a lapidary club for many years.  He was also an avid reader of all forms of news, a wide array of periodicals, and educational material.

There will be no calling hours.  A celebration of his life will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport, NY on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 11a.m. Interment will be at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY following the service and a light lunch.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fairport, NY or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Don’t Be Too Sad

I’ve lived my life

I’ve tried my best

The memories I hold dear

Are experiences I have known

Of happiness and tears

The love of my family

The care of my friends

The good times I’ve shared

Right to the end

I’ve travelled life’s byways

Seen children grow up

Experienced life’s living

And drunk from love’s cup

I leave you with memories

With thoughts of you all

I’m no longer with you

But your mind will recall

The good times we shared

The laughter we had

Please cherish these memories

And don’t be too sad.

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