SOUTHWICK – A memorial service will be held on June 15th, 2024 to celebrate the life of Theodore J. Hellstein (1926-2024). Ted passed away on January 26th at Mercy Hospital at the age of 97 surrounded by family.
Ted was born in Hartford, CT in 1926 to Florence (Cashen) and Theodore J. Hellstein, Sr. He lived in the Hartford and Hampden CT areas until high school. Due to his father’s work, he attended high school in Dallas, TX and graduated from Bishop Lillis High School in Kansas City, MO. After graduation, the family moved back to West Springfield, MA just across the street from the love of his life, Marjorie Warriner Hellstein. They were married 71 years at the time of his death. Ted attended Purdue University and graduated in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Air Transportation. He started working for Kaman Aircraft in Bloomfield, CT after college and continued at Kaman until 1971. In 1971, he started two ventures – purchasing the Huntsman Motel in West Dennis, MA with a Kaman co-worker and starting a home remodeling business. After several years, he focused solely on his remodeling business – working with many clients over the years; slowing down in his 70’s so he could play more golf and travel. He continued to play golf, do small wood projects and work on an elaborate doll house into his 90’s. He was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Church where he helped with collection for many years. And he was part of the Springfield Ski Club (Blandford) at the beginning of its history. He was a fan of watching sports of all kinds including his Detroit Tigers. He enjoyed talking to everyone – and he talked a lot as many can attest. Ted was easy-going and always looking to lend a hand.
He is survived by his wife Marjorie, his three daughters Linda Thompson, Teri Hellstein and Mary Beth Davidson, son-in-law Ray Davidson, grandchildren Sam Davidson, Christopher Erck, and Sarah Erck and great-granddaughter Riley Davidson. He also leaves behind his sister Jeanne Kennedy and many nieces and nephews across the country.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Tom and Dick, their wives Katie and Barbara, brother-in-law Fred Kennedy, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Joan and Bill Ryder, and son-in-law John Thompson.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery, West Springfield, MA. A Visiting hour will precede the service from 10-11 a.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Parish School, 27 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA 01085 (give.stmsaints.org/memorial-gifts) or the Purdue For Life Foundation, P.O. Box 772401, Detroit, MI 48277-2401 (connect.purdue.edu/s/givingtopurdue) www.firtionadams.com
