After college, David worked alongside his Uncle, George E. Lehman
at George’s business, K&L Appliance Repair Service in Wellsville. Following
George’s death in 1999, David went on to work for higher end appliance
companies, such as Sub Zero, Dacor and Kuppersbusch. His work relocated him to
Rochester, Delaware, and the New Jersey Shore, before coming back home to
settle in Wellsville.
David followed in the footsteps of his father, Gib, joining the
Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department, McEwen Hose Company #4 in June of 1972.
David was quickly put to work as Hurricane Agnes brought heavy flooding to the
area. He joined in on rescue efforts and filling sandbags, working tirelessly
through the days alongside his brother firefighters. During his 47 years in the
Fire Department, David held the office of Captain and was most recently the
department representative to the Allegany County Fire Advisory Board. David was
also a long-time member of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps., where he
loved to drive ambulance.
David was also an avid lover of antique vehicles. He loved to
attend car shows, and eventually acquired two classics of his own. First, a
1961 Corvair Rampside, and then a 1957 Willy’s Jeep. David took these vehicles
to car shows in New Jersey, and various other shows in the Allegany County
area, where the two classics won multiple awards. More recently, one of his
favorite shows to attend was Cruise Night in Angelica. As often as he could, he
and his son, David Helmer, Jr. would take one and sometimes both vehicles to
these cruise nights.
David loved getting together with friends anytime he could. He
enjoyed gathering together, knocking a few back, while entertaining others with
his stories about his work, the Fire Department and Ambulance Corps., and his
participation in Drum and Bugle Corps. Previously having been a member of the
Blue Devils, the Mighty St. Joe’s, and the Yankee Rebels.
David is survived by his mother, C. June Helmer of Wellsville,
a daughter, Nicole (Jeffrey Ormsby) Helmer of Wellsville, a son, David “DJ” W.
(Becky Sutton) Helmer, Jr. of Wellsville and Allison (Jeffrey) Culbertson, also
of Wellsville. David was predeceased by his father, Gilbert W. Helmer, his Aunt
Edna (George) Lehman, and Uncle Kenneth “Kenny” (Barbara) Brandes.
Friends are invited to call on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from
2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at J. W. Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville. Friends are
also invited to call on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church,
470 N. Main St., Wellsville, NY, from11a.m. to 12p.m., with the funeral service
to follow at noon.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Wellsville Fire
Company, Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps., or Trinity Lutheran Church.
