Richard B. Helfrich

Richard B. Helfrich, 87, formerly of Pennside, passed away Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center . He was the widower of Concetta (Crimaldi) Helfrich who passed away on November 13, 2011, with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage. Born in Reading, he was a son of the late George J. and Gertrude M. (Kulp) Helfrich. Richard was a United States Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and was a member of St. Catharine of Siena R.C.C. He was a huge Notre Dame Fan and played the trumpet for a local band at various clubs. Richard was employed by Penn Optical Company where he was a grinder of lenses for the space program for many years, until his retirement. He is survived He is survived by three sister-in-laws and many loving nieces and nephews and was pre-deceased by his brothers, Edward and Kenneth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 11:00 am. in St. Catharine of Siena Chapel, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, PA 19606. The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the chapel. Interment in Gethsemane Cemetery- Laureldale In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Catharine of Siena R.C.C. at the above stated address. Lutz Funeral Home, Inc. Mount Penn in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.LutzFuneralHome.com