Roy Edward Helfrick

Roy was born on September 19, 1958, in Trenton, NJ to the late John and Jeanette Helfrick. He graduated from Hamilton High West in 1976. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Biology from DeSales University, an associate's degree in Respiratory Therapy from Brookdale Community College and a master's degree in Health Administration from Rider University.

Roy met Gail Ann Iavarone while attending DeSales University and the two were married in October of 1983. They originally settled in Hamilton, NJ and subsequently moved to Robbinsville, NJ, Asbury Park, NJ, Naples FL and finally Marco Island, FL.

Roy was passionate about caring for and improving the lives of others and spent his entire career in the health care field. Initially in hospital operations, then as a respiratory therapist and department supervisor and finally supervising clinical trials for Convatec and Bristol Myers Squibb. Roy’s clinical trial work was primarily focused in the fields of immunology and rheumatology.

After retiring from Bristol Myers Squibb, Roy continued to pour his energy into helping others through volunteer work with the Rotary Club of Asbury Park, the Asbury Park Shade Tree Commission and the Knights of Columbus in Marco Island, FL where he was a Fourth Degree Knight and an officer of the Council and the Assembly. He also cultivated his love of nature by becoming a Master Gardener.

Roy loved spending time with family and friends and was especially close with his nieces and nephews.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Gail, his sister Barbara, his brother John (Evelyn) and sisters in law Cynthia Donegan, Alison Iavarone, and Jennifer Iavarone (Ed d’Alessandro), and nephews Graham Helfrick and Evan Helfrick, Michael Casaretto, and nieces Courtney Cecchini (Kevin), Caroline Kupp (Christopher), and Alegra d’Alessandro and great niece, Leah Kupp.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, FL 34145. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at 11:00 am at San Marco Catholic Church, 851 San Marco Rd, Marco Island, FL 34145.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Avow Hospice (avowcares.org) as the Avow organization did a wonderful job caring for Roy at the end of his illness.