Richard was born on August 5, 1939 in Bulloch Co, GA. to the late Reedy and Para Helmuth.
At the age of 19, Richard enlisted in the Air Force. He was deployed to Seville, Spain and there he met his first wife, Amparo Vazquez Almuedo. They married in 1961 and remained married for almost 50 years until her death in 2010. Together they raised two daughters, Susan and Janet, and two sons, Richard and Robert.
Richard received a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Maryland.
He highly valued his service in the Air Force and proudly attained the rank of Master Sargent. After 8 years in active duty, he continued serving in the reserves. He retired from the Air Force in 1999. He also retired from the City of St. Petersburg, where he worked in wastewater management.
Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his special needs son, Robert. He also enjoyed traveling, boating, fishing, music, playing golf, watching sports on tv and always cracking a joke. Richard loved Spain and considered it his second home.
Richard leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Anne Helmuth, two daughters, Susan Griffith, Janet Peters, two sons, Richard Helmuth and Robert Helmuth, three grandchildren, Haley Schimanski, Tristan Peters and Bailey Peters, sister, Betty Jones and other family members. He is preceded in death by his wife, Amparo and parents, Reedy and Para.
A graveside service will be held at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 3 pm.
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