Bernard A. Helminiak

Bernard A. “Bernie” Helminiak, 70, of Montoursville passed away, Sunday, July 7, 2024 at home surrounded by family. Surviving is his loving wife, Donna (Weaver) Helminiak, whom he married September 3, 1971 and together they shared 53 years of love.  

Born July 31, 1953 in Williamsport he was a son of the late Bernard J. and Wanda C. (D’Andrea) Helminiak.

Bernie was a 1971 graduate of Williamsport High School and retired from the former Alcan Cable. He was a member of St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church and the Republican League.

Bernie's enthusiasm for life was as vast as the great outdoors he so cherished. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, gardening, and cooking.

Those who knew Bernie understood that his heart was his greatest attribute. His kind-hearted and generous spirit meant he was always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need. To say that Bernie was loving does not fully capture the depth of his caring nature; he embodied love in his actions and the supportive presence he offered to everyone around him.

Bernie was a man whose heart was firmly rooted in the warmth of his home, the company of his beloved family, and his strong faith. His greatest joy was found in the simple moments spent with those he loved, enveloped in laughter and kindness.

In honor of Bernie's life and the love he shared, let us remember him not with sorrow but with the joy he would want us to cherish the joy he brought into our lives every day. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, daughters, grandchildren and their spouses, great-grandchildren, brother (his best friend), sisters and their spouses, all of his friends and everyone blessed to know him. When God made Bernie, he truly gave us a special gift. We all loved him so much and always will. Even though he will be greatly missed, it gives us peace knowing he is now with our Lord and Savior. As Bernie always said “One day at a time.”

Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Lori Luna (Michael) of Williamsport, Stacy Conklin (Tim) of Montoursville, and Shelly Kirkendall (Dave) of Jersey Shore; 10 grandchildren, Jordan (Adam), Brett (Courtney), Nicholas (Cali), Taylor (Tyler), Bailey, Olivia, Lydia, Reagan, Kylie, and Colton; seven great-grandchildren, Rylee, Piper, Harrison, Wren, Carson, Lander, and Brynn; his siblings, Sherry Thorne (Dave) of Montoursville, Bonnie Hetrick (Kurt) of Loyalsock, and Larry Helminiak (June) of Williamsport; his dear friend, John Cohick; and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A funeral service to honor Bernie’s life will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 12, at St. John’s-Newberry United Methodist Church, 2101 Newberry Street, Williamsport (per Bernie’s request, casual attire preferred). Burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. Friday at Church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bernie’s name may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Susquehanna Health Foundation c/o UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Williamsport, 1001 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701 or St. John’s-Newberry UMC, 2101 Newberry Street, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements entrusted to Sanders Mortuary. Online condolences may be made on Bernie’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com

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