Wilbert's obituary
Wilbert Mark Helmick, age 69, beloved brother, uncle, great uncle and friend, passed away on August 22, 2025. He was born on September 18,1955 in Fort Dix, New Jersey, to his parents SSG Richard John Helmick and Fern May Helmick (George). He was one of five children and spent most of his childhood in Warminster, Pennsylvania.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Wilbert joined the military at the age of eighteen and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 through 1987. He was a Vietnam vet, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After his discharge from the military, Wilbert moved to Benson, Arizona to be near his brother, sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Wilbert was known for his kind and generous nature and gave often to anyone he met who was in need. As a cook in the military, Wilbert took those skills into his personal life and enjoyed making his famous lamb dish for family during the holidays. He had a passion for genealogy and spent hours researching his family tree- finding and connecting with many extended family members throughout the years. He was loved by all who knew him and will be dearly missed.
Wilbert was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard John Helmick, Jr., brother-in-law Michael Antonelli, and nephew Troy Helmick. He is survived by his brother William Allen Helmick (Lynn), sisters Jane Marie Akers (Joseph) and Catherine Ann Antonelli, and many nieces and nephews.
A Military Honors and Committal service will be held on September 5, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at Southern Arizona Memorial Veteran’s Cemetery located at 1300 S. Buffalo Soldier Trail, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.