Wilton, NY- Robert John Michael Helenek, passed away on February 4, 2025 at the age of 78. Born on July 31, 1946, he was the son of the late Albert and Hulda Bliel Helenek.

Bob was a beloved son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. He went to St. Clement's School, and graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1964. He then went on to get a degree in mechanical drafting from HVCC. Bob joined the Wilton Fire Department in 1965 and started working at G.E. He wanted to be a paid firefighter so he went to Saratoga Springs. He got the job. When he found out you cannot volunteer with the WFD if you are a paid firefighter somewhere else, Bob said, "Forget it, I have to be with Wilton." After G.E. he went to work for the state and took inventory of all the state's bridges.

Bob was a Third Degree member of Saratoga Council #246 Knights of Columbus and Saratoga Assembly #745 Fourth Degree. He was also a 46er- and climbed all of High Peaks three times, also conquering Mt. Rainier and mountains in New Hampshire. He loved fishing and hunting; he was flown into Canada Lake and stayed from a week to 10 days eating mostly the fish that were caught. When you would take Bob out to dinner and ask if he wanted fish, he would say, "I hate fish, give me steak."

An instrumental part in getting 270 Ballard Road to Station 1, Bob pushed the State Senators to get the that land. He would go to the old firehouse just to be there; he painted it and made plywood housing for the 1 ¼ pre-connect hose. He stopped going to the firehouse as much, when he met the love of his life Marilyn- the best thing that happened to him.

He and Marilyn married in 1989, on the coldest day of the year- then their lives changed. Bob had a liver transplant in Westchester. Whenever Bob had a visitor, he always had on a hat or shirt of Wilton Fire Department. Then his life changed again with Kidney Disease. He battled this a long time. When he was home or at the hospital, he had to have his phone or pager with him to hear the calls. Bob always wanted to know what was going on at the firehouse. When Marilyn called the ambulance, Bob could hear his call on the pager.

During his nearly 60 years at Wilton, he was a firefighter, driver, line officer, safety officer, financial secretary for 30 years, and commissioner for 10 years. Bob was a dedicated firefighter until the end. There should be more people like Bob.

Brother Bob rest in peace.

Bob is survived by his wife Marilyn; brother Rich (Deanne); nephews Rich and Steve; grandnephews Richie and Jacob; and grandnieces Allie, Katie, and Jenna.

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7pm, Monday, February 10, 2025 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY  (518-584-5373).  The Knights of Columbus will meet at 6pm in the funeral home for their service.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am, Tuesday, February 11 in St. Clement's Church. Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.