Ronald E. Helsel Sr., 75, Kunkletown, died Monday at the Lehigh Valley Health Network Trauma Center.
He was born in Roaring Spring, son of the late John F. and Eva May (Hartman) Helsel.
He was the loving husband of Susan (Dufault) Helsel, with whom he shared his life for 37 years, and he was the loving father of Sandra Vohs of Myrtle Beach, S.C., David Dufault and wife, Paula, of West Hartford, Conn., Ronald E. Helsel Jr. of Myrtle Beach, Stephen M. Dufault of East Meadow, N.Y., Robert Helsel of Myrtle Beach, Lewis P. Dufault II and wife, Darlene, of Catawba, N.C., Wendy Ruesch of Westbury, N.Y., and Donald Helsel and wife, Liz, of Oceanside, N.Y. He was the beloved grandpap of Brandon and Dana Vohs, Nova Jack Helsel, Jessica, Jacob and Joshua Dufault, Christopher and Samantha Ruesch and Kalina and Lewis P. Dufault III.
He also is survived by four sisters: Vivian Kensinger of Bakers Summit, Sarah Gonsman and husband, Ronnie, of Hollidaysburg, Darla Helsel and husband, David, of Roaring Spring and Pat McCaulley and husband, Kevin, of Bellwood; two brothers: Jack Helsel and wife, Mary, of Martinsburg and Bill Helsel of Leamersville; and many special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three sisters: Sandy Helsel, Anna Mary Heinrich and Shirley Markle.
Ronald was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from Roadway Express, where he had been employed for 20 years.
Friends will be received from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2013, at Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home Inc., Roaring Spring, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. by the Rev. Joel Kletzing. Inurnment will be made in Greenlawn Cemetery, Roaring Spring.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ronald's memory may be given to the family.
