Oct 1, 2023

Albert “Abby” Helicke Jr., 85, of Langhorne, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, surrounded his loving family.

Born on July 25, 1938, in Washington, he was the son of the late Albert, Sr., and Frances Grabowski Helicke.

Growing up in Washington, sports filled Al’s younger years, spending hours at the Bronson House trying anything and everything that he could. He was athletic and competitive, enjoying all sports, including football and track and field. He taught himself to pole vault and was quietly proud of his accomplishments. For him, it was more than just winning or losing, it was about how he played the game. These skills are just some that he would carry into adulthood.

Al graduated from Washington High School, class of ’56, and was naturally inquisitive. His attention to detail and inclination to problem solving led him to major in Biology and Health as an undergraduate at Slippery Rock University. It was there where he would meet the love of his life, Darlene, and begin their journey together.

Upon graduating from college, Al and Darlene married and settled in Pittsburgh, where he taught in the Canon-McMillan School District for a few years. They then moved to Morrisville, where they lived for a time before settling in Langhorne and starting their family.

Al furthered his education with a Master’s degree from Villanova University. At Villanova, Al discovered an interest that he maintained throughout the years. An economics class introduced him to the power of investing. He formed a stock club and taught himself “the market.” He spent many hours studying stocks and accounting for them.

Al was a retired Council Rock School teacher, spending his career at the Council Rock Richboro School. He coached soccer and wrestling, and ran countless intramural programs.

To relax, he and Darlene would spend time at their second home in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. His love of the outdoors included skiing, hiking, kayaking, and snowshoeing. At home in Langhorne, he tended his garden and in August, would start canning his tomatoes and pickling his cucumbers. Whether at home or away, he always carried his tool bag so he could fix any problem that would arise.

Above all things, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be eternally missed.

Albert is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Darlene; his beloved son, Gabe, and wife, Melissa, and his three dear grandchildren.

As one of eight children, he was predeceased by six brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his loving sister, Jean Henderson.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Family services are entrusted to Dunn-Givnish Funeral Home, Langhorne.

1-800-GIVNISH