John Edwin Helfrich

John Edwin Helfrich, 87, of Matunuck, Rhode Island, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife, Winifred Barber Helfrich, of 63 years. Born on January 23, 1931 in Westerly, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Dr. John W. Helfrich, MD and Helen Helfrich Mattenklodt. Mr. Helfrich graduated from Lenox Prep School in 1949 and the University of Rhode Island in 1953. He was employed by Grinnell Fire Protection for 30 years. He was the owner and general manager of Tices Country Store in Ossipee, New Hampshire and worked at Mancini Hardware in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. He was a member of Kingston Congregational Church. Mr. Helfrich enjoyed woodworking and he has produced many pieces of colonial replica furniture for family and friends. He loved solving problems and was known to his children and grandchildren as the person who could fix anything. He loved being outdoors and championed environmental stewardship long before it was common practice. Mr. Helfrich was predeceased by his two sisters, Mary Friend of Westerly, Rhode Island and Margaret Walker of San Diego, California. Besides his wife, he leaves behind two daughters; Winifred Helfrich Gay (Eben) of Burlington, Vermont and Holly Helfrich Washburn (Steve) of Wakefield, Rhode Island. He also leaves behind four grandchildren; Robert Gay (Jamie) of Burlington, Vermont, Patricia Gay (Christopher) of Becket, Massachusetts, Dr. Whitney Washburn Sevey MD (Benjamin) of Milton, Vermont, and Scott Washburn of West Hartford, Connecticut.Funeral Services will be private.