Jack Helfer
March 12, 2018

HELFER, JACK: Who grew up in Squirrel Hill and was a long-time resident of Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania— passed away on March 12 in Florida, where he received exceptional care at the Sunrise Health and Rehabilitation Center.  He was 88 years old. After Jack graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving his nation as a corporal in the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea and Japan during the Korean War. Jack maintained his pride of being a Korean War veteran throughout his life, visiting the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. and frequently wearing hats and pins denoting his service. When he returned from the war, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Charlotte Cooper (of blessed memory), to whom he was wed for 64 years before she passed away in September 2017. He also entered into the family business, David I. Helfer Jewelers, learning the jewelry manufacture trade from his father. Jack eventually ran the company in the Clark Building in downtown Pittsburgh for more than 45 years before retiring in 2008 and turning it over to the next generation of his family. Jack had an active social life outside of work. He and Charlotte were inseparable at theater and musical events, impressive dance partners, and a remarkable doubles team on the tennis court. In Wilkins Township, he served as a volunteer fireman, a Cub Master for Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Recreation Board and Arts Council. He also was a member of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America, an avid Steelers and Pirates fan, a member of several bowling leagues, and a member of the Beth Shalom Synagogue Men’s Club.  More recently, he and Charlotte enjoyed an active life in Florida at the Wynmoor, the Pennsylvania Club, Lefty’s Sports Bar and the Jewish Liberal Temple.  Jack was proceeded in death by Charlotte and their granddaughter, Dana (of blessed memory). He is survived by his three children (and their spouses)—Farrel (Nancy), Ira (Kathy), and Bryna (Lewis)—as well as three other grandchildren—David, Sarah, and Emily—and three great grandchildren—Annabella, Aria, and Dante.  Jack made a point of sending flowers to all the women in his family on Valentine’s Day each year. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Wednesday at 3 PM. Visitation one hour prior to services (2 - 3 PM). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. www.schugar.com

Condolences

Helfer family: please accept our sympathy . Your dad’s talent with jewelry was amazing.. Many of us still wear his masterpieces today The Federbusch Family