Richard Michael Helenberger

Born on May 22, 1941, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Joseph and Pauline Helenberger, Dick grew up with a strong sense of duty and dedication, demonstrated by leaving college at the Case Institute of Technology to work in a steel mill to support his family when his father took ill. His sense of service, handed down from his parents who themselves helped found the volunteer fire department in McKinley Heights (OH), manifested itself in his service with the Jaycees, on community planning commissions, and on city council in Woodhaven, MI. Who can forget “Hot Dogs for Helenberger”?

The oldest of three, he was preceded in death by his dear brother, Joseph "Joe", and beloved sister, Christine "Tina". A graduate of Niles (OH) McKinley High School, he went on to serve his country with honor in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1967, reaching a rank of Senior Airman (E4). After his military service, using the GI bill, he pursued higher education and earned a mathematics degree, with minors in business and French, from Youngstown State University in 1970.

In 1965, he married the love of his life, Judy Boyles, and together they built a beautiful life centered around family and love. They were blessed with two sons, Derek and Brad, who brought them immense pride and joy.

A career in consumer credit financing took Dick and Judy from Youngstown to Detroit, where the boys were born, to St. Louis and finally to Texas where he retired in Trophy Club. He enjoyed working in his yard; gardening, especially his bougainvilleas; woodworking, including making toys for his boys and grandchildren; and construction and carpentry, finishing multiple basements, drawing up and overseeing the work on multiple additions and remodeling projects in his family's homes.

As a grandfather to six very well-loved and cherished grandchildren—Annika, Kavanaugh, Scout, Scarlett, Sutton, and Jack—he found his greatest happiness in their laughter, milestones, and adventures. They loved him back wholeheartedly and knew him as the Grandpa who could fix anything. He also loved trading business stories with Angie, the daughter-in-law he loved like his own daughter.

Dick will be remembered for his steadfast character, quick wit, and the unwavering support he gave to those he loved. Whether solving complex math problems, sharing stories from his Air Force days, using graph paper to make scale drawings of his detailed remodeling plans and to change the layout of the furniture in a room, or cheering on his grandchildren in all their endeavors, both academic and athletic, he brought warmth and wisdom to every moment.

He was also a fan of Bob Dylan, feeling a special closeness to the musician born two days after him, and had a sense of familiarity to call the musician "Bobby" Dylan as if they grew up together. He would frequently remind his sons that Dylan was a “Beat Poet.”

Dick also loved to travel. His work often required him to travel, which he did dutifully, reaping the perks and points and other benefits. These enabled him to travel for pleasure with a bit of style befitting someone with platinum level travel benefits. He has been to many countries on four continents.

He loved nothing more than being a storyteller, regaling someone he just met with one of his colorful stories of his Air Force days. Well, he loved a couple of things more - his family, and getting a deal on something, loving the chase as he haggled with his opposite side, whether it was buying a car or a bracelet in a bar in Mexico.

Dick leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service that will continue to inspire all who knew him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A service to honor his life will be held on Saturday April 12th at 11:00AM at First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine 1002 Park Blvd. Grapevine, TX 76051 in his memory.

Go easy into the night and rest in peace, Dick. Your love and legacy will never be forgotten.