Jerry Peter Helck

September 21, 2025, at the age of 94 at McLeod Seacoast Hospital in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Born in Yonkers, N.Y., on December 3, 1930, to artist and automobile historian C. Peter Helck

and Priscilla Smith Helck, Jerry’s life was a testament to his passion for both people and

machines. Growing up in Boston Corners, NY, his childhood was filled with fishing with his

mother, posing for his father's artwork, and learning the values of hard work and fair dealing

from a local stonemason. While his father saw the artistry in early race cars, Jerry was

captivated by the machinery itself—a passion that led him to understand, tinker with, and,

most of all, drive automobiles. This passion extended to his family's collection, which included

the historic 1906 Locomobile, "Old 16," now housed at the Ford Museum.

Jerry's educational journey took him from a one-room schoolhouse in Boston Corners to the

Roe Jan regional school and then the Choate School. He went on to earn a degree in

Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. While at RPI, he

began dating a childhood classmate, Eileen Powers. Jerry and Eileen married on June 7, 1953,

and went on to have seven children. He served in the Army during the post-Korean War era

and taught engineering to fellow servicemen in Falls Church, Va. After completing his service,

Jerry and Eileen moved to and settled in N.J.

Jerry began his career at the Air Reduction Company in Murray Hill, N.J. where he was

employed for the next twenty years. Eventually his entrepreneurial spirit led him to found

Summit Technical Products in 1975, a business that sold imported and domestic farrier

supplies. Through this venture, his friendly and open nature allowed him to form lasting

friendships with many of his customers.

In 1964 Jerry and Eileen purchased a large 1904 home in Summit to house their family. In

addition to the work of running a large household and maintaining the extensive gardens,

Eileen began to take in short-term borders who were visiting scientists, mathematicians, and

engineers from Bell Laboratories. Their dinner table was a hub for engaging conversations,

and their home became a refuge for many of their children’s friends, including the Barkhorn

brothers. Jerry was also an active member of the Summit Unitarian Church, serving on the

Finance Committee and conducting youth classes.

A man of many passions, Jerry was a collector of antique automobiles, slide rules, and historic

guns. He avidly scoured flea markets wherever he was for potential treasures. He was an

excellent teacher with an intuitive ability to simplify complicated ideas and was always eager

to help others, whether by repairing something or sharing his knowledge.

After nearly 40 years of marriage, Eileen passed away in 1993. Before her death, she made it

clear to Jerry and their children that he should remarry. Several years later, Jerry stopped in

at Eileen’s favorite florist shop, The Plant Lady, in Lakewood. He remembered the business

owner, Linda Lynch, as being friendly and attractive, and he logically concluded that she must

also be smart and hardworking to keep a business running. They began dating and were

married in 1996. They spent their time pursuing their various interests while finding time to

travel and visit family and friends. Eventually, they began splitting their time between New

Jersey and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Linda and Jerry shared a wonderful life together – and what a

life! Linda’s two sons and their families enlarged and enriched Jerry’s family. Linda brought

joy, compassion, common sense and a fabulous sense of humor to Jerry and his family. And

the best chocolate chip cookies ever.

Jerry was preceded in death by his first wife, Eileen; his son, Timothy Powers Helck; his

daughters-in-law Tempe Hill, Catharine Rigby, Amy Neal, and Patricia Halo; and his

step-grandson, Joshua Johnson Helck.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Helck; his children, David Helck (Alexandra Helck),

Peter Helck (Melinda Blanchard), Christopher Helck (Enid Smith-Helck), Andrew Helck (Mary

Peck), Priscilla Barkhorn (Jonathan Barkhorn), and Margaret Helck (Chuck Woodard); his

step-children, Christopher Jones (Wendy Schoock ) and Timothy Jones (Pauline Korobejnyk);

and sixteen grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A private interment will be held at a future date.