Richard Joseph Heleniak

Richie was born on November 23, 1959 in Plainfield, New Jersey to Dr. Roman and Pat (Johnson) Heleniak. He received his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a beloved Physical Education teacher for over 20 years. On July 2, 1994, he married Heather Batiansila Heleniak. They raised two children, Claire and Ben.

Richie had a passion for cycling and nature. He loved to explore the great outdoors and ride the trails with his dog, Nola. A former basketball and baseball player, Richie always loved sports and was a passionate New Orleans Saints fan. Richie served in the Coast Guard and loved sailing. He was the epitome of patience and kindness and he cherished his friends. He loved telling stories of his adventures growing up in Hammond, Louisiana. He had a great sense of humor, a quiet strength, and a positive attitude. He was a great cook and was famous for his Cajun cooking, his annual crawfish boils, making comfort food for so many in Texas. Most of all, Richie loved his family; he was a loyal son and brother and a loving husband and father. Such a proud Daddy.

Richie is survived by his wife Heather, his daughter, Claire, his son, Ben, his father, Dr. Roman Heleniak (Mary), his mother, Patricia Forbes, his sister Cathy Tijerino (Roger), aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church in Hammond, Louisiana at 10:00 am.