Obituary of Michael Helm

Michael J. Helm, 56 of Hemet, CA, died suddenly on Thursday, June 25, 2015. Michael was born in Schenectady, the son of Julian and Patricia Helm. He was a graduate of Schalmont High School, earned a BA from Potsdam, with a double major in Physics and Political Science. He received his Masters from SUNY Albany in Criminal Justice. He had a Fellowship and an ABD in Criminal Justice for attaining his Ph.D. from SUNY Albany. He was an engineer at Kodak in R & D in Rochester, NY, where he developed his own patent. In Whiteville, NC, he was a news reporter for the local radio station and newspaper where he worked closely with the Chief of Police and uncovered major criminal activity. Then he worked for the department of Criminal Justice in North Carolina. While in California he enjoyed surfing and hiking. He is survived by three sons, Julian, Luke and Truman Helm, of California; his mother, Patricia Helm; three sisters; Robin (Dominick) DiCocco, Jill (Tony) Coppola and Holly (Mark) Jacobson; a niece and nephews; and a previous wife and lifelong friend, Miriam, of Rochester. He was predeceased by his father, Julian. Funeral service, Thursday morning, 11 a.m. at the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Calling hours, Wednesday evening, 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made to City Mission, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, NY 12305.