Edward Henry Helmke, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 5, 1929, in Queens County, New York, Edward lived a remarkable life marked by resilience, dedication, and generosity.

The son of Josephine Canavan and Edward H. Helmke, Edward was raised by his paternal grandmother after his father passed away from pneumonia when he was just eight years old. He spent part of his childhood in Florida, where he enjoyed swimming in the ocean, before returning to New York, where he lived in Sunnyside and Long Island City, Queens.

Edward attended the prestigious Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan and went on to pursue higher education while working. He earned his bachelor's degree from Queens College by attending evening classes and later obtained his Juris Doctorate from St. John's University School of Law. Edward furthered his expertise with a Master's in Taxation Law from New York University.

Edward built a distinguished career in real estate law, holding positions with esteemed organizations such as Talcott, RCA, NBC, and General Electric. He retired as the Director of Real Estate for GE, where he managed significant commercial real estate holdings and traveled extensively across the globe for work.

In 1957, Edward married the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Ann Boyce, a nursing student at Bellevue Hospital. Together, they raised three daughters—Kim Elizabeth, Karen Jo, and Claudia Jean. The family lived in Jackson Heights, Queens, before settling in Commack, Long Island, and later relocating to Princeton, New Jersey, and eventually Saratoga Springs, New York.

Edward was an active and adventurous man who loved swimming, snorkeling, golfing, and exercising outdoors. He also enjoyed volleyball, basketball, and marksmanship as a young man. Edward and Peggy cherished their time together, especially during family vacations and holidays with friends, including many wonderful years at their home in Saint Martin.

Edward retired at the age of 70, and he and Peggy spent their later years in Saratoga Springs, where they were deeply engaged in their community. Edward served as president of their homeowners association for several years, and he was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and friends.

After Peggy's passing in 2017, Edward lived with his daughter Claudia and granddaughter Sofie, spending his final years surrounded by love and family. He remained active and vibrant until dementia affected his later life, but his kind and generous spirit endured.

Edward is survived by his daughters, Kim Helmke Mitchell, Karen Scullion, and Claudia Helmke Miller; six grandchildren and their spouses—Ryan and Alyssa Mitchell, Shannon and Kalin McHale, Emma and Brett Cavazos, Quinn Mitchell, Hanna Scullion, and Sofie Miller; and his great-granddaughter, Austyn Noel Mitchell, born just days after his passing. He was predeceased by his wife Peggy, his grandson Shea Mitchell, and his parents, Edward and Josephine.

Edward was a man of great character, resilience, and warmth, admired by all who knew him. He touched countless lives with his kindness, legal expertise, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy of love, generosity, and strength will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service to celebrate Edward's life will be held at 1:00pm on January 18th, 2025 at The Interlaken Clubhouse, in Interlaken, Saratoga Springs, the neighborhood where Ed happily lived for the past 36 years.

Edward Helmke will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.