John J. Helisek, Sr.

John J. Helisek, Sr., age 90, of Hiller, PA passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6th, 2026 at the home of his daughter, Helen.

He was born on August 12th, 1935 in Brownsville, PA

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, PA

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 her husband Joseph, Anne Sopp and her husband John, and Agnes Soroka and her husband Paul

brothers: Frank Helisek, Charles Helisek and his wife Anne, and

CPL Peter P. Helisek, Jr. US Army who was killed in action in WW II on the beach of Sicily, Italy on July 10th, 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 his wife Angela

his beloved daughter and caretaker: Helen M. Sparrow and and her husband Robert

granddaughter: Nicole Morrell and her husband George

grandson: Daniel Sparrow and his wife Stacie

two great-grandchildren: Boston Sparrow and Maddison Morrell

Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received in The Skirpan Funeral Home 135 Park Street Brownsville, PA on Saturday, April 11th from 8:30AM until 9:30AM. A Prayer Service will be held at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM at 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