John J. Helisek, Sr.
Hiller
John J. Helisek, Sr., 90, of Hiller, passed away peacefully Monday, April 6, 2026, in the home of his daughter, Helen.
He was born August 12, 1935 in Brownsville, the son of the late Peter P. Helisek, Sr. and Anna E. Strahota Helisek
John was a member of the former St. Mary’s R.C. Church of Brownsville, and currently a member of The Historic Church of St. Peter.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Geraldine A. Novinsky Helisek; sisters, Mary Masarik and husband Joseph, Anne Sopp and husband John, and Agnes Soroka and husband Paul; brothers, Frank Helisek, Charles Helisek and wife Anne, and CPL Peter P. Helisek, Jr. U.S. Army, who was killed in action in World War II on the beach of Sicily, Italy July 10, 1943.
John was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He proudly served his country in The United States Navy for a total of eight years, four years in active service and four years in the reserves. John served 41 months aboard The Navy Destroyer USS Benner DDR-807. He served two deployments to the far east. John participated in “Operation Hardtack” in The South Pacific. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. John was a member of The West Brownsville American Legion Post #940.
John is survived by his son, John J. Helisek, Jr. and wife Angela; his beloved daughter and caretaker, Helen M. Sparrow and husband Robert; granddaughter, Nicole Morrell and husband George; grandson, Daniel Sparrow and wife Stacie; two great- grandchildren,Boston Sparrow and Maddison Morrell; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received in the SKIRPAN FUNERAL HOME, 135 Park Street, Brownsville, Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 until the time of a prayer service at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in The Historic Church of St. Peter in Brownsville, with the Rev. Fr. Efren Ambre as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Church Cemetery, where full Military Rites will be accorded by The American Legion Posts #940, #838, and #275.
www.skirpanfuneralhome.com