Donald Vincent Helm, 92, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, with his wife and daughters by his side.

Born January 4, 1934 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Don was the son of Charles and Margaret Helm. He grew up in Newark and Kearny, New Jersey. After marrying his wife, Rose (Ladolcetta), the couple made their home in Bloomfield, New Jersey. It was there that they raised their three daughters and built a life together.

Don worked for Bendix Aviation for more than 30 years as an electronic technician. He retired in December 1992, and he and Rose traded New Jersey winters for Florida sunshine, settling at Spanish Lakes Fairways in Fort Pierce, where they would make their home for the remainder of his life.

Before beginning his long career with Bendix, Don served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. As a member of the 836th Signal Company, he attended Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey and served as a field radio repairman while stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was proud that during his service his unit participated in the filming of the final scene of the iconic World War II film To Hell and Back.

Don believed in being involved in the communities he called home. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight as well as a member of the American Legion and the Vero Beach Power Squadron. At Spanish Lakes Fairways, he served the Homeowners’ Association in several positions over the years and was a familiar face at the pool grill, where he was known for doing the cooking. He also enjoyed golf and bocce and lent his technical talents to the community’s various clubs, handling sound and video.

He was a member of St. Augustine Episcopal Church in Vero Beach. A voracious reader and lifelong lover of history, Don remained curious about the world around him throughout his life.

Of all his accomplishments, Don was especially proud of his family. He coached his daughters’ softball teams and took particular pride in teaching all three girls to drive — and in the fact that each one passed her driving test on the first try.

Retirement gave Don and Rose the opportunity to travel extensively with family and friends. They made numerous trips to Europe, enjoyed cruises and spent time at the Jersey Shore. They frequently traveled back to New Jersey and to Virginia for holidays and family gatherings. Those trips north also provided Don the opportunity to enjoy a few things he believed Florida simply couldn’t get quite right — particularly a favorite Italian hot dog or a Taylor Ham and egg sandwich.

Don and Rose shared 66 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Rose, Don is survived by his daughters, Linda Smith and her husband Scott of Alexandria, Virginia; Donna Helm of Long Beach Township, New Jersey; and Elizabeth Shevlin of Wantage, New Jersey, whose husband Ron preceded Don in death. He is also survived by his grandsons, Kyle and Christopher Smith, who will forever treasure the time spent with him and the memories made. Additionally, he is survived by his brother-in-law Matthew Ladolcetta and his family with whom he shared a very special relationship.

Don will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his willingness to lend a hand, his curiosity and love of history and the many friendships he built throughout his life. His presence will be deeply missed by Rose, his daughters, grandsons, extended family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A memorial service honoring Donald’s life will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury in Vero Beach, Florida, with military honors to be rendered in recognition of his service to our country. An additional memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date, with details to be announced.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory are serving the family.