Peter P. (Jr.) Helisek

A man with roots in this local area who died overseas as a war hero is finally --- after 82 years is coming home to be honored and laid to rest next to family members. Corporal Peter P Helisek Jr., of the US Army Air Forces was born on April 18, 1918, in Brownsville, Pa. to the parents of Peter P Helisek Sr. and Anne Helisek Upon graduating from Brownsville High School, he worked for a wholesale company. Soon after that he was drafted into the Army. At the age of twenty-five, Corporal Helisek died July 10, 1943, on the beach of Sicily, Italy. He was a member of the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment that was taking part in Operation Husky at Gela Beach off the Sicilian shoreline. On July 10, 1943, in the wee hours of the morning the Infantry was to establish the beach to set up a command post. At an early point in the operation, Corporal Helisek was killed. There were few details regarding his death at the time, only noting he was declared missing in action that day. Through investigation done by the Dept. of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, intense testing, and research work to aid in identifying Corporal Helisek 80 years after. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Mary Masarik and husband Joseph, Anne Sopp and husband John, Agnes Soroka, and husband Paul. Brothers Frank Helisek and Charles Helisek and wife Anne. The last surviving sibling member of his family is John Helisek Sr. (deceased wife Geraldine) and many nieces and nephews. His remains traveled from Omaha, Nebraska to Pittsburgh Airport on Wednesday June 18th, with Skirpan Funeral Home where arrangements were to be made. With sincere gratitude we the family of Corporal Helisek would like to Thank William “Shorty” Cox and Derrick Samuels in bringing closure to a long-awaited homecoming. Thank you sincerely. Visitation will be held at The Skirpan Funeral Home 135 Park Street Brownsville, PA on Friday June 27th, 2025, from 8:30 A.M. until 9:30 A.M at which time Prayers of Transfer will take place. A Funeral Mass will be held at10:00 A.M at the Historic Church of St. Peter, Brownsville, PA. With Father Efren Ambre as celebrant. Interment will follow at Saint Mary's Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be accorded by The United States Army and The American Legion Posts #940, #838, and #275. Candy, Candy, Candy