Paul David Helsel, 83, of Newark, Delaware, died surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Born on March 9, 1941, in Williamsport, PA, he was a son of the late Paul C. and Marion F. (Hall) Helsel. He grew up with his sister Karen on a 250-acre farm near Trout Run on Steam Valley Mountain, Cogan House, Twp., PA. Working on the farm until college instilled in him the values of honesty, integrity, and hard work.
Paul attended a one-room schoolhouse in his elementary years, later graduating from Liberty Joint High School in Liberty in 1959. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University in 1962 and later, a second degree in Accounting from Goldey-Beacom College.
On August 28, 1965, Paul married Jane L. Valiante, and together they shared 59 years of marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Diane L. Coleman (Joe) of Melbourne, FL, and Janet M. Caruccio (John) of Newark, DE. Paul’s love and commitment to his family were unwavering, and his legacy lives on in his three grandchildren: Paul Joseph “PJ” Coleman of Melbourne, FL, Benjamin Caruccio and Amanda Caruccio both of Newark, DE, and his sister Karen Cook (Al) of Trout Run, PA.
He began his professional career in Facility Engineering and Facility Engineering Management in 1962 with E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company in Newark, Delaware. As a capable and reliable Engineer, Paul distinguished himself and moved to increasingly more responsible jobs with Milprint, Wilmington Chemical Company, and finally, in 1979, with ATK Elkton Company (formerly Thiokol Corporation) in Elkton, Maryland. Each position he assumed with these companies gave him valuable technical, administrative, and leadership experience. After a distinguished and successful 43-year professional career, Paul retired from ATK Elkton Company on September 23, 2005.
Paul’s life was not just about work; he also had a passion for life. He enjoyed hunting on the family farm in Steam Valley, and his collection of John Deere Tractors was a testament to his love for anything he considered antiques. His enthusiasm for the Eagles, the Phillies, Penn State Football, and University of Delaware Football was infectious, and he always found joy in socializing with friends and sharing a Yuengling or Crown Royal. He and Jane shared a love for travel and enjoyed going on cruises and vacationing around the world.
Paul served for more than twenty years on the Board of Directors of the Triumph Industrial Park Utility Maintenance Corporation and the Steam Valley Cemetery Association. He was also a Charter Member and Charter President (June 1980) of the Thiokol Chapter of the Toastmasters Club.
Paul was initiated into Newark Elks Lodge No. 2281 on May 10, 1970. He became active in the lodge and served as Exalted Ruler in 1975-1976, earning “All-State Exalted Ruler” honors in the Ritual. He served as the Lodge Treasurer for several years and as a Lodge Trustee for the last few years. Paul was involved in various committees in Newark Elks Lodge No. 2281, including the Board of Trustees, PER Association, House/Rental Committee, and Bingo Committee.
Paul became active in the Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia Elks Association in 1976 and has been actively involved for the past 31 years. He served on various committees, including the Executive Committee of Elks Camp Barrett, the Association’s Major Project. He was Chairman of the Elks National Service Commission Committee for four years and Chairman of the Elks Training Program for 6 years. Paul served as a member of the Board of Trustees for two years, as Vice President of the Northeast District, and as President of the Association in 1981-1982. He also served as State Treasurer for two years. He was a certified Ritual Judge for 16 years, judging contests in his own Association, the Pennsylvania Elks State Association, and the New Jersey State Elks Association. He served as chairman of the association’s advisory committee for at least three terms and continued to serve the association in advisory and leadership capacities.
In 1979, he was appointed District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. Paul continued to serve on the State Associations Committee from 1989 to 1991 and, in 1992, was elected to the Board of Grand Trustees, where he served until 1996. He continued to serve with the Board of Grand Trustees through 1996-1997 on a Planning Committee tasked with developing a long-range plan for upgrading and improving the Elks National Home.
Throughout his years of Elkdom, he has held numerous positions including Special Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler where he served four years as the group’s President. In 2001, he chaired the Host Committee for the Grand Lodge Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Most notably, Paul was elected as the National President of the Fraternal Order of Elks and served from 2008 to 2009. From 2009-present, he served as the Sponsor for the Maryland/Delaware/DC Elks Association. He also served as the Sponsor for the New Jersey Elks Association from 2009-2018 and then from 2018 to present, he served as the Sponsor for the Pennsylvania Elks Association.
Paul’s dedication, hard work, and leadership have propelled him through the ranks of Elkdom. He firmly believed that “you get out of Elkdom what you put into it.” While fulfilling his duties as Grand Exalted Ruler, his message emphasized working to build a stronger, better Order. He often encouraged others to join him in being a part of “Elks — Growing Elkdom and Strengthening America” and demonstrating that “Care—Share.”
A funeral service to honor the life of Paul will be held 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Elks Lodge #2281, 42 Elks Trail, New Castle, DE, a time of visitation will be held prior from 2-4 p.m.
A second visitation will be held 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport, PA 17701 with a funeral service to begin at 12 p.m. Burial will follow the service in Steam Valley Cemetery, Cogan House Twp.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Paul’s name may be made to the Elks National Foundation, 2750 N. Lakeview Ave. Chicago, IL 60614.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul David Helsel, please visit our floral store.
Services
Visitation
Tuesday
October 22, 2024
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Newark Elks Lodge #2281
42 Elks Trail
New Castle, DE 19720
Funeral Service
Tuesday
October 22, 2024
4:00 PM
Newark Elks Lodge #2281
42 Elks Trail
New Castle, DE 19720
Visitation
Friday
October 25, 2024
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sanders Mortuary
821 Diamond Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Funeral Service
Friday
October 25, 2024
12:00 PM
Sanders Mortuary
821 Diamond Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Donations
Elks National Foundation
2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Bryan R. Klatt
Grand Secretary
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America
2750 North Lakeview Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614-1889
(773) 755 – 4708
Elkdom’s Heart For America is by promoting Elks Care ~ Elks Share