Obituary of William Helman SR

WESTFIELD - William J. Helman, Sr., age 88, of Hardscrabble Road, Westfield died Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Heritage Park Rehab & SNF, Jamestown, NY following an extended illness. Bill was born on February 21, 1923 in Johnstown, PA, the son of the late James A. and Alma (Wright) Helman. A Westfield resident most all of his adult life, Bill had been raised in Windber, Pennsylvania and graduated from Windber High School and enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. Bill served in three separate Wars that included WW II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He flew over 50 successful missions as a gunner on a B-26 Aircraft during the Korean War. During Vietnam he served as an Aircraft Maintenance supervisor with the 107th Tactical Fighter Group where he held the rank of Technical Sergeant. Bill Came back to Westfield and enjoyed a career with the Village Electric Department retiring in 1986 after 25 years. Bill had also been the Dog Control Officer for the Village and Town of Westfield and for the Town of Ripley. He helped to found the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue. Bill loved all animals and was always there when an animal needed a friend. Mr. Helman was a former member of the Loyal Order Of Moose Lodge # 118, the John W. Rogers Post 327 American Legion, the Wm. P Jackway Post 6764 VFW, Past President and former member of the Westfield Fish and Game Club and a former member of the Fire Department of Westfield Hook and Ladder Co. #1, the Rescue Squad, the Ambulance Transport team and was a current member of the Westfield Firemen's Exempt Assoc., He is survived by his wife: Patricia (Jaynes) Helman, whom he married on September 15, 1952 in Winchester, VA, and one son: Kim Helman of Westfield, NY. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren: Raekel Helman of Westfield, James Helman of Tonawanda, NY, Alesha Helman of Fredonia, NY, Tonia Frudd, Joshua Helman and Stephanie Helman all of Westfield, NY, Melinda Gervasio of Ripley, NY, Eric Helman of Long Beach, NY, and many great grandchildren, as well as his two sisters: Sara Faust of Johnstown, PA, and Mary Meek of New Port Richie, FL. Bill was preceded in death by his two sons, James W. Helman, in 2009 and William J. Helman, Jr., in 2010 and by his sister, Martha Maneval. No calling hours will be observed. All services will be private with burial in Westfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Bill's family a message of sympathy.