Joseph A. Helie

Joseph A. Helie, Sr., 93 of Worcester, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 in the St. Francis Home. Joseph's wife of 47 years, Norma B. (Provost) Helie passed away in 1986. He is survived by five daughters, Paula B. Gerardi and her husband Donald of Worcester, Judith A. McCarthy and her husband Roland of Lisbon, CT., Janet L. Lucey and her husband James R. Lucey, Sr. of Worcester, Kathleen R. Damato and her husband William of North Grafton, and Karen N. McCarthy and her husband Edward of Worcester; seventeen grandchildren, twenty five great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a son, Joseph Helie, Jr.; two brothers, Paul and Homer Helie; a sister Jeanette Soucy. Joseph was born in Worcester, a son of the late Alcide and Eugenie (Brodeur) Helie and has lived here all his life. He entered the United States Army in 1945, serving his country during WWII. He later worked as a mechanist for George Myers Company for many years before retiring in 1985. Joe was a member of St. Stephen's Church. He also was a member of the Auburn Elk for 30 years being involved at Bingo and as there Chaplin. He was very involved with the Auburn Senior Center and the Greendale YMCA. He loved camping, playing cards especially cribbage and pitch, bowling, dancing, music and being with family and friends. Services for Joe will be held on Monday, March 7th from the MERCADANTE FUNRAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery. A period of calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 6th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to Shriner's Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA. 01104-2396.