gary helba, ii
Gary Michael Helba, II of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Weirton, WV died Monday July 22, 2013 as a result from injuries sustained from a two car motor vehicle accident. Born on January 31, 1971, in Weirton, WV, Gary was a son of Gary M. and Charlotte Jonczak Helba of Weirton, WV. Gary graduated from Weir High School in 1989 and went on to West Liberty University graduating with a degree in communications. His lifelong dream was to become a Sports Broadcaster, where he recently interviewed with 93.7 The Fan. He worked as a Customer Representative with Verizon Wireless at their Call Center in Cranberry Woods. Gary will always be remembered as a "Kid at Heart", an amazing husband and an amazing best friend. He enjoyed collecting comic books and Star Wars action figures. He also enjoyed the outdoors, where he loved to go hiking and biking. But most of all, Gary enjoyed having season tickets to the West Virginia Mountaineer Football games, and attending them with his father. He was an avid reader of history and was known as the Mr. Fun Facts from his family. Gary was a member of the Mountaineer Athletic Club. In addition to his parents, Gary and Charlotte, he is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Whitney (Donis) Helba, with whom he just celebrated one year of marriage this past June 30th; his four years with Whitney were the best of his life. They are truly soul mates. a brother, Ryan Helba (Lisa) of Carnegie, PA; a sister, Lynette Helba Allen (Brian) of Weirton, WV; 2 nieces who were like his own children, Alexa and Mackenzie Rusinovich; brothers in law, Cory, Mac, and Logan Mellon, and Reiley Donley; sisters in law, Maggie, and Bailey Donley; his beloved dog, Comet and his beloved cats, Wicket and Willow. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday and 2-4 & 6-9 PM Friday at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV, where funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics or to your local Animal Shelter.

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Guestbook

  1. Gary and family, I am so sorry that you are experiencing such heartache with the loss of your precious son. I pray that you will feel the presence and comfort of God.

  2. Gary you were the best my friend, my brother! Our lives were made better just by having you in them. On the worst of days you always put a smile on our faces! A black could will now hang over us for a very very long time..it may never go away. We love you our friend. Bryan and Colleen

  3. It was so very sad to hear about Gary. May God bless his family. I know He is hearing all the sadness and is holding them in his hands.

  4. My lifelong friend, this is a loss to everyone. Sorrow and pain are felt by so many. Shock and sadness are known to a multitude of family and friends. You were known to all as one of the greatest guys. It’s hard to accept this terrible news; but, I was blessed you were in my life and a true friend. I pray for peace and comfort for your family. This will be a long road for them. You will now be reunited with our good friends from our class. I hope all of you will be there for me one day to meet again. I will miss you Gary- so very much. Watch over us all; be our guide.

    Bless you Helba family, accept my deepest sympathy please. Carla Carinci-Bell

  5. I know you are looking down upon your family and friends and you will keep a safe watch over every single one them! I am going to truly miss our talks and laughs we shared and I will always remember our days we spent working together! My deepest sympathies and prayers go to Whitney, Mom, Dad and families. You are a special person and one that is going to be missed by everyone who knew you! God takes the good ones early and I pray that your families find comfort that you are with him.

  6. Words cannot express the sadness I am feeling right now and the void in my heart where Gary will always hold a special place. We first started to work together about 3 years ago at Verizon Wireless and I knew instantly upon meeting Gary that we would be friends. He had such a contagious/charismatic personality and an infectious laugh. He was a true kid at heart and had a youthful spirit. If I had a difficult day at work (which is often in a call center environment) Gary would always be my rock and make me laugh and sounding board for me to vent to. Nobody will ever be able to replace him and I had just seen/was talking to him at work the other day ago. He was telling me about his knee and voicing his concern over my mothers recent admission to the hospital. I know in the area of love he’s had a rough road but found a great love in Whitney. I was fortunate enough to meet her in December and had a very warm personality as well. You have my sympathy and prayers Helba family and Whitney. May the force be with Gary and let God be his guide. 🙂

    Sincerely,

    Anne A.Floros

  7. Gary and Charlotte and the entire Helba family, words are difficult at this time. All of you are in my prayers.

  8. Gary, Charlotte and family, We are so sorry for the loss of Gary. We didn’t know him as an adult but we do remember him as a cute little guy from many years ago. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  9. My deepest sympathy to Gary’s parents, Gary and Charlotte, his wife Whitney, his siblings, and family. Gary was such a wonderful friend to my son Ken. I never saw Gary without a big smile on his face. I am sure he will be missed by many.

  10. I have known Gary for many years. I knew when we started working together at Kmart all those years ago, that he was someone special and would become one of my favorite people. He was a true friend to me. He was always full of kind words and encouragement, and made me feel better with just a conversation. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and he always made me smile and laugh. Gary was a fabulous man who will be deeply missed. The world is a much sadder place now…my heart goes out to his family and friends, and everyone who is feeling this tragic loss.

  11. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Such a genuinely nice guy! He will be missed by all of his classmates. May his memory be eternal.

  12. Dear Helba Family, I just don’t know what to say other than my heart is heavy for such dear friends. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you. That just doesn’t sound like enough, but there are no words that are going to make it better. Please know that we love you and we are sending (((hugs))). Love you bunches.

  13. You will be greatly missed as our favorite Chi-O sweet heart! Thank you for all the laughs during study period in the library. We will all pray for your wife and family to find peace after your loss. Keep watch over all who love you and those Mountaineers you so dearly love.

  14. Lynette and family-I am so very sorry for your loss. My sister Carla was a good friend of Gary’s. May God bless you all and comfort you and welcome Gary into heaven.

    Tina Carinci Morris and family

  15. Gary, Charlotte, and family… when I heard this horrible news the other night, my heart hurt for your family. You always have such positive attitudes and when my father passed away you were a true blessing. I remember sitting at the dining room table and reminiscing about the “good old days.” At a very difficult time, you were able to help us smile. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Let your memories sustain you and know I love you!

  16. Gary, Charlotte, and Family

    So sorry to read the paper today, and see of Gary’s passing. Can’t imagine the shock, and pain, for everyone. We extend our deepest sympathies to you. As tragic as this passing is, I believe Gary has gone to be with our Lord, and will be watching over his family. You are in our prayers, may God’s love and strength be with you.

    God Bless You,

    The McKeen Family

  17. My deepest sympathy to the entire Helba family…my heart goes out to all of you…much love and prayers…

  18. Gary and Charlotte.. My heart is sadden to learn of the tragic loss of Gary. I cannot imagine the grief you are enduring; just know my thoughts and prayers are with you now and will continue. We are sure of God’s loving hand in this, and He will provide strength and solace where there seems none can exist. I know you are very proud of Gary, and many wonderful memories will come to you in the quiet times. He — and you — are in God’s care where there will be comfort.

  19. Charlotte and Gary our families have been thru way to much pain – there are no words that I can say to ease your pain – my prayers – RIP Gary

  20. Remembering from way back when Lynette and I were in school, he did collect Star Wars and comics, even then. Gary was a loving man from the start, and we are sorry and miss you. Blessings to all of his family and his wife.

  21. Gary, Charlotte and family….we were so saddened to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to all of you…. God bless and comfort you in this most difficult time.

  22. Gary, Charlotte and Family…..My sympathies are with you on the loss of your son, brother and husband. I cannot find words that would comfort you at this time. Just know that I am thinking of you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. Take care.

    Karen Cuprik Hardey

  23. My sympathies to Gary’s family and friends. .I worked with Gary at Verizon Wireless. I would stop by his desk to check out the action figures he had. He had an infectious smile…RIP Gary you will truly be missed at VZW

  24. Words cannot say how much of an amazing and extremely outgoing Gary was. I worked with Gary for years and will never meet anyone like him again. I was very lucky to have him as a friend and colleague. It was such a pleasure to take a moment from our busy job whether it was walking by or just visit his desk and chat about Star Wars and Game of Thrones. I remember just talking about how excited him, my husband and I are of the new season Game of Thrones to air again and him telling me congratulations on my new position. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and family. My deepest sympathies and he will be missed by so many.

  25. My heart goes out to the entire Helba family. You have my deepest sympathies. May God hold you close during this very difficult time. Let you memories help carry you through the days ahead.

  26. My heart is saddened, but heaven gained an Angel on Monday. Gary was more than a co-worker, he was also a friend and truly genuine. He made everyone around him smile, and always had a good story to tell. I loved talking sports with him – every now and then I would try to ‘one up’ him on a sports story but he already knew! And boy did he adore Whitney – – to him, she hung the stars & the moon. I’m still trying to make sense of this tragedy, can’t understand why this happened to such a great guy.

    My thoughts & prayers are with you Whitney & the Helba family during this difficult time.

    -Rest in peace my friend – You’ll be missed!

  27. I worked with gary at vzw. He was the nicest and most caring guy I have ever met. He would do anything for anybody. He is going to be so missed. RIP Gary. All my prayers to his wife and family

  28. you will Be sadly Missed by all who knew you . Gary was a very kind friend to all who knew him. Always there to share a conversation or a good story. We here have lost a friend and Co worker however Heaven has Gained another Angel. RIP Gary!

  29. Gary, Charlotte and the entire Helba family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. May God watch over you all during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  30. Gary was one of our neighbors and he and his wife, Whitney, are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. Our cat (that resembled Wicket) has been lost for about 2 months and every time I would see Gary, he would ask about Hamlet and he even helped us look for him on a few occasions. When he said, “I’m so sorry you haven’t found him,” you could just hear how genuine he was. We will miss chatting with him when we would see him walking Comet. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. A great person gone far too soon.

  31. Charlotte and family-may it help to know others are thinking about you during this difficult time.

  32. Charlotte and family, I was so stunned to hear of your son’s death. I never met him but knowing you and judging by the comments left by so many of his friends, he must have been an incredible human being. No words will ever ease the pain you and Gary, his wife, Whitney, and his family and friends are feeling but I just wanted you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  33. Our deepest sympathy to Gary, Charlotte, and family. We will be praying for everyone with sad hearts. We did not know Gary as well as others, but from what I read, he was a special and fun-loving person. God bless and know Gary is with his heavenly Father.

  34. Charlotte, Gary and Family,

    I am so very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you are feeling. My prayers for your peace and peace for your daughter-in-law, Whitney. Though I didn’t know Gary, I know you well and know that you had to have raised an incredible son. None of this makes any sense right now. Only God knows why and I pray that he’ll give all of you the strength that you need at this time and grant you peace in the future. Lots of Love and Prayers.

    Carol (Bundy) Black

  35. Charlotte, Gary, Lynette & Ryan,

    My heart hurts to loose a friend that I have known since I was a kid. I have such fond memories of the five of you and the four of us (my mom, my dad, Michael & me)……spending time together and laughing. Gary was a huge part of making everyone smile. I will always remember him being so nice to me.

    Sincerely,

  36. Gary and Charlotte and family, my heart aches for you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. May God surround you all and bring some comfort to you . The love of your family will come together to help you shoulder this pain. God will take care of you.

  37. Our thoughts, prayers, and love go out to you and your family Gary. Our deepest sympathy.

  38. Charlotte, I spoke with Linda Pauchnick today and she told me of the unfortunate news. My heart and soul goes out to you and your husband. I can`t imagine the feelings you are going through with this loss!!! My prayers are with you and hope you can someday have these horrible feelings a part of your past. Your friend always,

  39. Charlotte, Gary, and family, I was so sorry to read about the passing of your son. I did not know him, but I know he was a wonderful young man from what I have read. I pray that God comforts you and gives you strength. You have my deepest sympathy. I will continue to pray for you. Sincerely, Jim Brandolino

  40. Charlotte, Gary, Lynette, Ryan, and Whitney, I know this was a tragedy that no one can prepare for, it breaks my Heart to lose such an AWESOME PERSON and all of the pain and suffering that all of you are going thru. I remember all of the good times we had with Gary, he was like a little Brother I never had. I remember him ALWAYS SMILING, and he was a real positive person, and his Love for WVU Mountaineers. I wish with all of my Heart that I could take your pain away and be there with you. You can be very proud of the great Son you have raised and Loved.

    May GOD Bless all of you and Gary. You are all always in my thoughts and prayers.

    All of Our Love and Prayers,

    Mark & Penny

  41. To The Helba family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Mr and Mrs Helba you not have raised a nicer young man. I will always remember Gary’s kindness and his beautiful smile. He will be truly missed. May God Bless you all.

  42. Gary, Charlotte, Lynette, and Ryan,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great sadness. My brother Rich called me with the sad news, since we are in Washington. May his memory be eternal. May God watch over you in this dark time.

    Sincerely,

    Mark and Cindy Helba

  43. Lynette & family

    Our hearts go out to you & your family at this difficult time. Your brother had his life taken too young. I know Terry thought so much of Gary. I recall the few times I was around Gary and he was so full of life, energy and always smiling. May you treasure all your wonderful memories of him. We will keep you in our prayers and close to our heart.

    Terry & Vicki Gilles

  44. Gary was more than a neighbor growing up in kings creek. He was some I looked up too. So many memories of swimming in our pools to the pop-up camper or staying up all night playing video games. I’m so sorry for your lose Ryan and the Helba family.

  45. I was so sorry to hear about Gary. I worked with Gary at the North Hills Verizon store for several years. I always enjoyed his smiling personality, sincerity, and honesty-how he could to tell it like it was too. Also Gary was able to hold onto something that most of us loose over time, his enjoyment of being a kid and his passion about the things he loved like, Star Wars, WVU, and his comic books. One day I walked by his car in the garage at work and could not believe how it was filled with comic books from floor to ceiling, I was amazed that he could even drive it. It was a pleasure meeting all of you at the funeral since I could see where all the wonderful qualities that made up Gary had come from. God Bless Gary and all of you too.


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