John D. Helminiak

John D. Helminiak, 93, of Williamsport, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026 at home surrounded by his family.

Born June 20, 1932 in Williamsport, he was a son of Peter and Rose (Dzien) Helminiak.

John was a 1950 graduate of Williamsport High School and was a decorated Air Force Veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1952-1956. He served in Korea, making 13-night bombing missions in a B-26. Following his discharge in 1956, he married the love of his life, Florence J. Hart, on June 2, 1956 and together they had seven children.

John was a carpenter by trade and had worked 28 years at Lundy Homes before retiring in 1996 from Your Building Center (YBC). He was a woodworker and helped build many houses including his own and his children’s homes. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, VFW Post #7863 Duboistown, and the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County.

John was a lover of all sports but especially enjoyed coaching his sons in Babe Ruth baseball for several years. He also loved to watch all of his grandchildren in their sporting events.

John is survived by six children, Timothy (Carrie), Katherine Zay (John), Joseph (Patty), John (Barbara), Daniel (Mary), and David (Mary) Helminiak; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Helminiak, 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Joseph Luke; and numerous nieces and nephews. In 2016, he married his second wife, Catherine A. (Plisko) Helminiak.

In addition to his parents and first wife Florence who died in 2010, he was preceded in death by a son, Jerome Helminiak in 2012, and two sisters, Anna Giedroc and Helen Luke.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Friday, April 10 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 800 W Central Ave, South Williamsport, PA. Private burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County. A time of visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s name may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 711 West Edwin St., Williamsport, PA 17701 or the Korean War Veterans of Lycoming County, P.O. Box 3232, Williamsport, PA 17701.

Online condolences may be made on John’s memorial page at www.SandersMortuary.com.