Ronald "Ron" William Helling

He was born in New York and was the son of the late William K. Helling and Therese (Menden) Helling. In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years Emily (Jacobsen) and by his sister, Madeleine (Schultze). Ron is survived by his nephews Douglas Schultze (Sheryl) of Punta Gorda, FL; Richard (Michelle) of West Chester, OH; Thomas (Laura) of Camp Hill, PA; Timothy (Mary Ellen) of Harrisburg, PA; and William of Hornell, NY in addition to several grand nieces and nephews.

Ron was raised in Mt. Vernon, NY and Crestwood, NY and assisted in his father's painting business as he navigated through high school. After high school, Ron entered the United States Army, completing Basic Combat Training and Field Artillery training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. He returned home and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ), graduating with a degree in Chemistry and subsequently secured a life-long position with Stauffer Chemical in Westport, CT. Ron retired after 30 years of service when the company was sold.

He and Emily moved to Fairfield Harbor, NC in 1996 and quickly became beloved friends with many folks in the community. Ron thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Fairfield Harbor and New Bern Yacht Clubs. For countless years, Ron and Emily hosted Thanksgiving dinner for many U.S. Marines stationed in the local area.

When not sailing along the Neuse River or playing touch football with the Marines, Ron and Emily loved to travel and were able to visit many spots around the world, including Lake Titicaca and Machu Picchu in South America; Norway and the Arctic Circle; and China. They also had a tremendous love of hosting, and being hosted by, their many friends. They truly delighted in their nephews and grand nieces and nephews, traveling far and often for a variety of family parties and celebrations. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Ron's life will occur on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Pointe Restaurant at Harbor Pointe Golf Club in Fairfield Harbor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to organizations which Ron held dear to his heart including the ASPCA, the USMC Toys for Tots program, the USO, or the American Heart Association.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ronald Helling.