Douglas John Helmstetter, Sr.

Douglas died on January 14, 2025 four days after his 90th birthday at Holly Manor in Mendham, NJ.

Douglas was the youngest of 3 sons born to John and Margaret Helmstetter on January 10, 1935. He resided in East Orange, NJ. He enjoyed the fact that he was surrounded by a large network of extended family and friends while living within the city. Doug along with his wife and children moved to Roseland, NJ in 1977. Doug spent the last years of his life living in the home of his eldest son, Douglas Jr. and family in Jefferson Township, NJ. 

Douglas had many jobs over the course of his lifetime as he worked until retiring at the age of 73. He was most proud of receiving an electrical degree from Newark School of Engineering. He used this degree to work at the following jobs GV Controls where he held a patent, Electrical Inspector, Local 52 Electrician, Worked for HUD restoring electric for flood victims of Tropical storm Agnes.  He worked in the research and development department of J.P. Stevens textile corporation, Laskey Printing and American Strip Steel. He also had his own electrical business for many years.

Douglas was an avid reader of history. He enjoyed learning about past events and he took pride in being able to recall geographical locations as well as key components of the country. Doug also enjoyed keeping current with national and international news. He enjoyed his shortwave radio and later on his computer. Doug enjoyed dining out with family and friends. Doug enjoyed the companionship of many animals over the course of his lifetime. In the last years of his life Doug loved his little dog Noodle. Doug enjoyed traveling with his son Doug, daughter in law Karen, and grandchildren Dougie, Rebecca, and Corey in later years. 

Douglas is predeceased by his parents John and Margaret Helmstetter, his brothers Jack and Robert Helmstetter. He was also the loving husband of Joan Helmstetter for over half a century. He was also a loving father to Gregory King.

Douglas is survived by his six children, 15 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. His children include Douglas and his wife Karen of Jefferson Township, NJ, Thomas and his wife Isabelle of Stanhope, NJ, Geoffrey and his wife Sarah of Bethlehem, Pa, Margaret Taddei and her husband Leon of Sucassunna, NJ, William and his wife Lisa of Roseland, NJ, and Christopher of Parsippany, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Animal Life Savers as Doug enjoyed spending time with the many foster kitties who graced his home in the last years of his life. Donations can be made online at animallifesavers.org or sent to PO Box 12 Palisades Park, NJ 07650. Donations can also be made to the Reformed Church of Kinnelon at 155  Kinnelon Road , Kinnelon, NJ 07405 as Doug developed a special friendship with Pastor Beverly Sullivant while living in Jefferson Township.

A memorial visitation will be held 3-6pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton, NJ 07885

A memorial service will be held during the visitation, also at the funeral home, starting at 5:30pm.

Interment will be private.

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