Thomas A. Helbling

Thomas A. Helbling, age 93, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, February 8, 2022, in Park Village Health Care at Dover.

Born on April 21, 1928, in Coshocton, Ohio, Tom was a son of the late Leo A. and Mary A. Harvey Helbling.

Tom was a 1946 graduate of the former Sacred Heart School and entered into the United States Army following graduation. Upon his Honorable Discharge, Tom began driving truck and soon went to work for his brother, Leo at Helbling’s Supply which at the time focused on refrigeration and heating and cooling. During the 1970s Tom purchased the firm from Leo and relocated the firm to its present location in New Philadelphia and began to focus solely on restaurant supply and refrigeration. He served as President of the company until the mid-90s when his son, Chris, took over the day-to-day operations but remained very active and semi-retired up until his 80s. Tom loved helping his customers and always shared that his work was his hobby.

On May 17, 1952, Tom married the former M. Therese Ebner. Together the couple’s faith was nurtured as lifelong members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia. Tom served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus LCPL Peter Clore Council #2372. He also maintained a longtime membership with Plumbers Local #495. Those who knew Tom were well aware of his wonderful sense of humor and his deep love for his family.

Surviving are his children, Christopher (Christine) Helbling, Joseph (Susan) Helbling all of Dover, Carol Bonamico of North Canton and Theresa “Terri” (Michael) Flora of Gahanna; 10 grandchildren, Sara (Adam) Studeny, David (Terry) Helbling, Alisha (Albert) Burks, Abigail Helbling, Carmen Thomas (Molly) Bonamico, Elizabeth (Brent) McDannold, Andrea Bonamico, Jack (fiancée Callie Loparo) Flora, Sam Flora, and Hannah Flora; six great-grandchildren, Adalyn Burks, Ian, and Bella McDannold, Henry and Zoe Studeny, and Loretta Bonamico as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Therese, on April 7, 2016; his siblings Leo (Catherine) Helbling, George (Virginia) Helbling, Mary Anne (John) Bown, and Joseph (Clarita) Helbling.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be led by Father Jeff Coning on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10:30 AM in the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. A meal and fellowship will be shared in the Parish Center following services. The family requests guests in attendance to please wear masks and practice social distancing. Those unable to attend may view the service via live stream by visiting the Church’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SacredHeartChurchNewPhila.

The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be directed to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.