Mark Hellinger

Mark David Hellinger, 57, passed into glory Sunday morning, February 2, 2014, after a long illness and a courageous battle. Born March 23, 1956 in Crestline, Ohio, Mark bids farewell for now to his loving parents Chester and Alice (Beck) Hellinger of Ontario; one sister, Cynthia K. Hellinger Phelps; two brothers, James A. (Mary Ann) and Evan Hellinger; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and infinitely many friends.

He was preceded in death by grandparents George and Evelyn Hellinger and Albert and DaLee Beck, uncles, aunts and a young nephew, Trisen. His beloved dog Lucy is at his side once more.

Mark was a graduate of the Ontario High School class of '74. He was highly respected by his classmates and faculty and more than likely the only student with a set of keys to every room in the school. He took that honor very seriously and never betrayed the trust.

At age 16 he began his career as a radio announcer at WGLX in Galion. From there he landed a job at WMAN 1400 AM in Mansfield and went on to become a popular DJ. In March of 1983 he decided cold weather wasn't for him anymore and headed south. In Florida, Mark started out as an announcer in Lakeland, then Orlando, and finally as a news director at WPBF-TV in West Palm Beach. His proudest career moment was receiving the SE Regional Emmy for News Production for a special newscast he produced and directed.

In 1994, he moved to the mountains and bought a radio station in Jasper, GA. Within a short time he purchased several other stations and got them up and running. That was a dream come true for Mark.

He returned home to Ohio recently where he could be near family. He often spoke of what he believed heaven would be like and he carried that vision until the final beat of his kind and generous heart. Mark rubbed elbows with some of the big names in the business, but the most important elbows were those of his family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Ontario United Methodist Church, 3540 Park Avenue West, Ontario. Family and friends are invited to call for two hours prior to the service from 11-1 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Ontario Cemetery. At Mark's request memorial contributions may be made to The Richland County Humane Society, 3025 Park Ave West, Ontario, OH 44906 or MedCentral Hospice, 335 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mark Hellinger.

Special thanks to MedCentral Hospice, Lexington Court Care, Georgia Mountain Hospice and Dr. Adam Bressler of DeKalb, GA. Your special touch made all the difference to the Hellinger family.

The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mark David Hellinger.