Arthur Robert Helmenstein was born in Fort Lee, Virginia to John Helmenstein and Frances Helmenstein on March 8th, 1973. He passed away in his home on October 15th, 2024.

Arthur was a man who loved deeply. He was an emotional man, perhaps the most emotional man I’ve ever met. I cannot count the amount of times in my life that I have seen him cry, but it was many. Arthur showed vulnerability in times when others would have shied away from emotions and built walls. Instead of turning a blind eye, in those times, Arthur reached out a hand. If he had nothing, he would give the shirt off of his back to help others because he knew how it felt to be in their position. As his child, I recognize the blessing that it is to have inherited the heart of the person that loved so deeply and completely. He had a smile that lit up a room. His laughter was a gift and it was impossible not to join in and laugh at whatever ridiculous story he told.

Despite living in Wisconsin, he was a die hard Steelers fan. Should you let him, he would drag you into a debate about whether the Steelers or the Packers were the superior team. Make no mistake, he would always argue the Steelers were the best and no amount of reasoning could sway him.

Arthur taught those he left behind many things: what it means to forgive, that Kermit the frog is an asshole, pool is all about the angle, you never really lose until you stop trying, the Waffle House has incredibly superb food, lose yourself by Eminem is an anthem to start your dreams with, and how to be loyal and dedicated no matter what you’re facing.

Arthur struggled with a lifetime of mental health challenges. He suffered from the disease but also the shame and stigma that came along with it. This presented itself in many ways and at times led him astray from the people who loved him most. He faced challenges and made mistakes, but Arthur also became a man many were proud to call a father. Arthur is memorialized by his children Jessica Williams, Dallas Freeman, Jordyn Gonzalez, John Helmenstein, and Destini Helmenstein; and his bonus children Seth Perez, Resse Perez, Myracle Tatreau along with his partner, Rebecca Perez. He is also survived by his siblings, Lou Alexander, Rusty Helmenstein, Ruth and Derrick Marshall, Jackie and Carl Helmenstein-Hall as well as many nieces and nephews. We will carry his memory with us always, until we can meet again.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Arthur’s go fund me to assist with burial costs.