Gary L. Helfer

Gary L. Helfer, 80, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024, at the Ashtabula Regional Medical Center in Ashtabula, Ohio.

He was born on April 19, 1944, in Conneaut, Ohio; the son of the late Harold and Clover (Sparling) Helfer.

Gary graduated from Pymatuning Valley High School in 1962. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army National Guard and proudly served his country for several years.

On December 28, 1968, Gary married his beautiful bride, Sara Carr; they were blessed to share fifty-five wonderful years of marriage together.

Gary worked for Lincoln Electric for thirty-six years; after his retirement from Lincoln Gary certainly kept himself busy.  He got his CDL and drove for many companies throughout his truck driving career and worked for the Ashtabula County Board of Education, Jefferson Trucking, Great Lakes Auto and Fleming-Billman Funeral Homes.

He enjoyed painting by numbers, a hobby he picked up when sidelined by an injury; and he got really good at it.  He also enjoyed hunting and going on fishing trips with his friends, Gary Goodge, Bill Hazelton and Bob Hitchcock; he also spent a lot of time with his “breakfast buddy”, fellow Lincoln retiree and good friend Rick Giddings who also became his “chauffeur” when Gary could no longer drive himself. 

 Gary was a dedicated husband, brother and uncle who found great joy and happiness spending time with his family and friends.  He loved this community and “The Mayor of Mulberry Street” will be missed dearly by so many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara Helfer; his sister Beth Helfer; his nieces and nephews: Roberta (Claude) Kobernik, Chrissy (Kyle Loucks) Cusano, and John (Darla) Helfer; his mother-in-law Norma Carr; his brother and sisters-in-law: Betty Morrison, Cathy Leonard, John (Brenda) Carr and Barbara (Peter) Riegel; many great-nieces and great-nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Everett Helfer and his niece, Tonya Fultz.

In honor of Gary’s wishes no public services will be held.

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