Russell Helmlinger

Russell Alan Helmlinger, Sr., 88, died at home in Apopka, Florida on November 13, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born August 22, 1927 in East Orange, NJ to Alfred and Harriet (Fricke) Helmlinger. Russell served in the Army as PFC until 1956. He received a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. On April 25, 1954, he married Gladys Louise Dare. Russell and Gladys made their home in Andover Township, NJ. As a young man, Russell owned and operated a gas station. He worked several jobs as maintainence mechanic in the Sussex County school system. He worked many years at Rutgers University as foreman of grounds until retiring due to disability.
Russell lived in Andover Township, NJ until 1989 when he moved to Orlando Florida.

Russell will be especially remembered for his larger than life personality. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardens, he had many adventures cruising with his family, and he was known for good luck with scratch off lottery tickets. He enjoyed going to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa, and the Victory Casino Cruise in Cape Canaveral. He had a special place in his heart for young people who needed guidance to get through life, and he recently recieved a distinguished honor for his 20 yr support of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gladys (Dare) of Apopka, FL, his brother, Richard Helmlinger, Sr of Punta Gorda, FL, his sons Wayne Helmlinger of Pompano Beach, FL, Raymond Helmlinger of Apopka, FL, and Russell Helmlinger Jr (Diana Friedland) of Dingman's Ferry, PA, his daughters Elizabeth Helmlinger of Sussex, NJ, Patricia Helmlinger of Apopka, FL, Margaret Day of Orlando, FL, and Edith Faasse (Donald Faasse) of Bradenton, FL. He is survived by his 11 granchildren whom he cherished, Eva Helmlinger of Morristown, NJ, Travis Helmlinger of Boonton, NJ, Nicole Helmlinger of NJ, Tami Decker of Wantage, NJ, Steven Helmlinger and Christopher Helmlinger both of Dingman's Ferry, PA, Zachary Day (Veronica Voltaire) of Haines City, FL, Courtney Day of Orlando, FL, Brian Faasse, Steven Faasse, and Kirsten Faasse all of Bradenton, FL. He is also survived by his 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Russell was preceded in death by his siblings Harry, Alfred, Bert, Edith (Beyer) and Florence (Loftus), grandson Edward Kymer, and great grandson Wil Gebhard IV.

There will be visitations at the Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home, 1148 E Plant Street, Winter, Garden, FL . on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 5-7pm and Friday, November 20, 2015 from 9- 11am followed by a memorial service 11am. Burial with military honors will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL on Friday, November 20, 2015 at 2:30pm. Relatives and friends are welcome to gather with Russell's family following burial at 352 Lake Doe Blvd, Apopka, FL.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Russell A. Helmlinger to Florida Sheriff Youth Ranches, PO Box 2000, Boys Ranch, FL 32064.

Visitation

Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home
1148 East Plant Street
Winter Garden, FL  34787
Thursday, November 19, 2015
5:00PM - 7:00PM

Service

Funeral Service

Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home Chapel
1148 East Plant Street
Winter Garden, FL  34787
Friday, November 20, 2015
11:00AM

Cemetery

Florida National Cemetery
6502 S. W. 102nd Avenue
Bushnell, FL  33513