Ronald Jack Helfrich

Ronald Jack Helfrich, age 69, passed away January 28, 2015 after a short illness, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Akron on April 12, 1945 to Jacob and Viola Helfrich, he graduated from Ellet High School in 1963 and had resided in Mogadore since 1969. He loved playing drums with The Elites in the 60’s. Ron was a dedicated officer with the Akron Police Department for 30 years, retiring in 2000. He was a member of FOP Lodge #7. Ron enjoyed golfing in his spare time, vacationing at the beach, and trips to Las Vegas and Marietta, Ohio. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle, and will be forever loved.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years, Cheryl; son, Ryan (Diana); daughters, Elizabeth Helfrich (Ryan Neuman) and Anne Helfrich (Robert Schneider); grandchildren, Lindsey, Cameron, Zander and Alexis; sisters, Dorothy Lee of California and Norma Steinmetz of Texas; brother-in-law, Ronald Doonan; sister-in-law, Suzanne Siegmund; niece, Josie (Matt) Gayhart; and nephew, Micah (Conni) Siegmund. Ron’s family would like to thank all the staff members of Akron General Medical Center Neuroscience 9th Floor, and the AGMC Visiting Nurse Hospice Care Center for all the care and support shown to Ron and his family.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Thursday, from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Road (Route 91), Akron, Ohio 44312, where memorial service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. with Rev. Bob Denton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to www.cjdsurveillance.com, or for SMA donations, go to ronhelfrichdonations.com.