Mr. John Alexander Helba Sr.
June 16, 1950 ~ April 9, 2026
Born in:
Steubenville, OH
Resided in:
Weirton, WV
John Alexander Helba, Sr. of Weirton, passed away on April 9, 2026, at UPMC Presbyterian, surrounded by his beautiful family, holding the hand of his loving wife, Theresa, his high school sweetheart of 60 years, married for over 55 years on February 27, 1971.
Born on June 16, 1950, in Steubenville to Charles and Wilma Pagur Helba. A 1968 graduate of Follansbee High School, John dedicated over 40 years to the Weirton Steel Company, retiring from the BOP.
A dedicated husband and father, a proud man who loved taking care of his family and home, who treasured time spent with his family and friends.
John found joy in life’s simple routines. His morning cup of coffee while tackling crossword puzzles, his daily swims at MCC, and watching his favorite teams.
He loved camping and fishing at Tomlinson Run State Park and the beach. He found pleasure in gardening and took great pride in making his delicious “Dream Pickle”, a name lovingly given by his granddaughter, sweet Avonlea.
He was a naturalist – liked to feed and watch the birds, played volleyball, and playing in the lake with his precious granddaughter, and especially loved dancing with his wife.
His sons, John and Jeff, were his pride and joy. Holidays and special occasions were always festive in John’s world. He loved celebrating life with them. Family vacations were some of his most cherished memories.John will be remembered for his kind heart, infectious smile, and unwavering love for his family.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Helba, and sister, Joan Mullavey.
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Theresa (Zahora), his sons John A. (Michelle) Helba, Jr., and Jeffery A. Helba, all of Pittsburgh; brother Gary (Charlotte) Helba of Weirton; sisters Katherine Adams of Weirton, and Anne (Earl) Smith of Steubenville; and the apple of Jedo’s eye, his granddaughter, Avonlea Zahorarose Helba.
Friends are invited to meet with John’s family on Saturday, April 18, from 1-2 pm at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton, where a Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2 pm.
Life Celebrant Elijah Dillie will officiate.
John’s request for cremation will be honored.
He will be cremated at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home Crematory.
Share online condolences at www.grecohertnick.com.”
Great Guy we will miss him. RIP
Theresa, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers for healing.
So very sorry for your loss, Gary and family. May he rest in peace.
Had many good conversations with John at the Millsop Community Center. Always positive with a smile on his face. Very dedicated in staying active and being healthy. My condolences to his entire family.
I feel so blessed to have been a part of John’s life for so many years. I can still see that 13-year-old boy that became my dear sweet brother-in-law. Gary cherished his brother and he cherished Gary. His passing has left an emptiness in our hearts that can only be replaced by all the beautiful memories he left us with. The love we will always have for him will be with us now & forever. Until we meet again.
Theresa and family: Our deepest sympathies on John’s passing. He was always such a nice person that had an easy quiet strength about him. We know you are all going to miss him.
Theresa,
I am so sorry to hear about John. He was the nicest man I had the privilege to meet during our Yoga years. I know what a special marriage you two shared. Sending prayers and warm thoughts to you and your family.