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Robert Felton Helms, 80, of East Haven, died on Aug. 30 at Yale-New Haven Hospital surrounded by his family. He was the husband of Alice R. Boyle Helms. He was born in Butler, Georgia, on March 10, 1936, to the late John Felton and Helen Taunton Helms.

Bob was in the US Navy, where he served his country during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He spent 20 years in the military until retiring in 1974. His experience and knowledge of submarines helped him in his transition to civilian life; he became a weld X-ray technician for General Dynamics-Electric Boat for 22 years until finally retiring in 1996. He was also an avid Boston Red Sox, UConn girls’ basketball, and Dallas Cowboy fan, and a former member of the Gaelic Football and Hurling Club.

Besides his wife, he is survived by five sons, Montgomery T. (Judith Ann) Helms of Cheshire, Thomas C. (Pamela) Helms of Springfield, Massachusetts, Jeffrey M. (Vicky) Helms of Port Huron, Michigan, Lance M. (Jocelyn) Helms of East Haven, and Robert Jason Helms of Boca Raton, Florida; and a daughter, Theresa Parks Coppola of East Haven. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Kenneth John Parks, and a brother, Thomas E. Helms.

Funeral services were held Sept. 3 at the East Haven Memorial Longobardi-Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, 203-467-1708. Burial with full military honors took place in St. Bernard Cemetery, New Haven. Friends called prior to the service. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, PO box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. Please visit Bob’s memorial page at easthavenmemorial.com and sign his guest book.