William Helms

William "Bill" John Helms passed away in the early hours of the morning on November 18, 2025. He passed away peacefully in his home looking out at his beloved view of the Neversink River. He was 89 years old.

Bill was born in Newark, NJ on August 8, 1936 to the late William and Helen Helms. He was their only child.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. He married the love of his life, Roseann Purcell on June 22, 1957, celebrating 68 years this past June.

He was a forever salesman graced with the gift of gab. He was an avid fisherman and instilled the love of the fishing in his boys. He loved baseball above all sports from watching the Negro League, as a child, to being a lifelong Mets fan. He was a NY sports fan rooting for the Rangers and the Giants. But if given a choice of any sport it would always be baseball.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, William and Helen Helms and his beloved son, Robert "Bob" Helms.

He is survived by, his loving wife, Roseann Helms of Woodbourne, NY, his son William Helms (Christina) of Woodbourne, NY, his daughter-in-law Diane Helms (Bob) of Tupper Lake NY, his daughter Karen Valdivia of Peekskill, NY and his daughter Lori Hoffmann (Michael) of Patterson, NY. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Amanda Ybañez and her husband Joseph, Robert "Bobby" Helms, Matthew Hoffmann, Patrick Hoffmann, Noah Valdivia, Lauren Hoffmann and Joshua Valdivia. He is also survived by his only great-granddaughter, Isla Ybañez.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 21st, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, 396 State Route 52, Woodbourne, NY.

Interment will follow at the Sullivan County Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Arrangements are under the care of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home. For further information, please call 845-434-7363.