Obituary: Lawrence (Larry) Helfant Sr., 84 of Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT - (From Biega Funeral Home) Lawrence (Larry) Helfant, Sr., 84 of Middletown passed away on March 4, 2021. He was born on June 14, 1936, in Norwalk, Connecticut, son of William and Lydia (Lidka) Helfant.

Larry graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1955 and was part of both the Wildcat Football and Basketball teams.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army, Airborne division from 1955 to 1958 where he trained to be a U.S. Army Paratrooper.

While stationed overseas, Larry was fortunate to have continued to play basketball and football for the U.S. Army Team.

In 1959 he married his wife of 61 years, Frances (Merenda) Helfant. They lived together in Middletown for 60 years, only recently relocating to Cromwell.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Irwin Helfant, and sister Patricia Lee Helfant-Sevigny. He is survived by his wife Frances M. Helfant, daughters Lisa Helfant, Lori Long, and son-in-law Steven Long, Lynn Fargnoli, and son-in-law Michael Fargnoli, and son Lawrence (Larry J.) Helfant, grandchildren Christopher Long, Tucker and Faith Stanton, and Joshua and Jessica Fargnoli.

Larry also leaves several nieces and nephews and many wonderful friends.

Larry’s passions were fishing and being outdoors. He had several boats and loved to take them to Old Saybrook where he would fish the mouth of the CT River and Long Island Sound for blues, bass, and fluke.

He also enjoyed wading in the CT rivers, especially the Farmington and Salmon Rivers fishing for trout. He always loved to be outside taking care of the yard and house and eventually found a love for tennis which he played often.

Larry played basketball and tennis for many years, then continued to enjoy following football, basketball, and tennis and watching UCONN and the Boston Celtics, as well as all of the tennis majors.

Later in life, he enjoyed spending time doing puzzles and passing the time in his beautiful three-season porch where he spent many hours with Frances, his family and friends, visiting and telling stories, watching the birds, and waiting for something to move in the field.

There will be no calling hours and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.