DUDLEY - Edward J. “Whitey” Helpa, 91, died Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in Brookside Rehab & Health Care Center after a period of declining health.
He leaves his wife of 65 years, Evelyn L. (Kozlowski) Helpa; 4 children, Jon J. Helpa and his wife Lisa of Hatfield, David P. Helpa and his wife Joan of Oxford, Maryellen Fuller and her husband Michael of Devine, TX, and James M. Helpa of Brattleboro, VT; 3 grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah Helpa, and Molly Fuller; nephews and nieces.
He was born and raised in Webster, the son of Gustav and Mary (Sandecki) Helpa and lived in Dudley for most of his life. He attended Bartlett High School.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy in World War II.
Mr. Helpa first worked in construction building runways at Worcester City Airport. He then was a pressman at the Webster Times and later at the Worcester Telegram & Gazette before retiring in 1992.
Whitey was a member of St. Andrew Bobola Church. He enjoyed fishing, completing crossword puzzles, reading and traveling. He loved spending time with his grandchildren
A graveside service will be held on Friday, November 17, at 11:00 AM in St. Joseph Garden of Peace, Old Worcester Road, Webster. The Webster-Dudley Veterans Council will provide military honors. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH 03047. Arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St. Webster.