Arne C. Helland, 70, of East Haven, passed away unexpectedly on July 25. He was born Oct. 5, 1951 in New Haven, to Arne and Martha (Nielson) Helland. Arne is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Regina (Esposito) Helland; and four loving children: Arne Helland Jr. of East Haven, Gabriel Helland of Wallingford, Mary Helland of East Haven, and Janie Diaz (Eddie) of North Haven; along with four grandchildren he treasured: Frank Scalo, Gabriel Helland, and Edward and Alex Diaz. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Strampach of New Haven; nephew John Strampach; niece Elizabeth Strampach; and in-laws, Gerald Dowd (Joan), Patty Proto, Rosalind Leindorf (Steve), Gabe Esposito (Kathy), and Andrea Greenberg (Joshua). He also leaves behind extended family members, Jamie Fallon and Stephanie Bracero-Cruz. Arne is preceded in death by his parents; and so Chris Helland (2020).

Arne grew up in the High Ridge section of East Haven. He was captain of the East Haven High School Swim Team, Class of 1969. Arne attended the University of New Haven for three and a half years before realizing his passion and skillset for carpentry. Arne worked as a master carpenter for Yale University for 35 years before retiring to spend his days with the love of his life and best friend. He did not eat vegetables, but he loved to grow them in his garden to share them with family and friends. Arne enjoyed taking walks with his daughter and beloved fur daughter Skye, visiting all his neighborhood friends and fur friends. He reveled in raising and mentoring his grandsons, Frank and Gabriel.

The family will receive mask-wearing friends from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 30, in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.