Helmuth H. Hansen

Helmuth Hansen, 86, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2017. He was born in Chicago, IL to the late Agnes and Max Hansen, German immigrants who worked hard to provide him the opportunity for a better life.

Helm’s early education was in the Chicago public schools. He went on to earn a BS in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and both an MS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Early in his career, he served in the US Navy, primarily in mine warfare assignments. He served on the USS Nightingale MSC(O) 50, and as an instructor at the Naval Schools, Mine Warfare, where he was in charge of the engineering courses. Upon discharge from active duty, he joined Naval Reserve Research Company 4-3. His MSEE thesis led to an increase in the maximum range of active sonars, for which he was awarded the COMASWLANT (Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Atlantic Fleet) Letter of Merit. Helm later became the commanding officer of NRRC 4-3, retiring after 26 years with the rank of Commander.

Helm was employed by the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Pittsburgh for 36 years. After management positions in engineering, marketing, information technology, and finance, he was appointed Director of Planning and Investments. In that position, he administered the annual corporate capital budget and chaired a committee which reviewed acquisitions and divestitures. He served on the Board of Directors of the United Federal Bank of Peoria, IL and on the board of WEMSSA, a European computer software company headquartered in Paris.

He was active in his community of Hampton Township, PA. Helm served over 15 years on the Hampton Township School Board, repeatedly re-elected by increasing margins as a Republican in a Democrat majority area. The Board elected him President four times. He declined the nomination for a fifth term but served five terms as Vice-President and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He also served five years as Vice- President of the Hampton School Authority. He was Treasurer for Boy Scout Troop 17 and coached several seasons of little league baseball. He received the Westinghouse Community Service Award for his dedication to his neighborhood.

Helm loved his family. Annazell Hansen, wonderful wife and best friend of 58 years, preceded him in death. Following his retirement, Ann and Helm moved to The Landings in Savannah, GA and spent their new found freedom traveling to all 50 states and over 50 foreign countries. He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Suzanne and William Herbert of Atlanta,GA, his son and daughter in law, Helm and Lynn Hansen of Raleigh, NC, and by his special grandchildren, Meredith Herbert, Will Herbert and Helm E. Hansen.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 7 to 8 PM at H.M. Patterson - Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, Sandy Springs, GA. A graveside service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22, 2017, Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA 30114.

The family suggests remembrances be made in Helm’s memory to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, GA 31322.