Eugene Helfrich Obituary

Eugene (Frank) Helfrich
11/06/1928 - 06/19/2025
Eugene Francis (Frank) Helfrich passed away at his care home in San Mateo on Thursday June 19 after a long battle with dementia. Frank was born in San Francisco, but lived his entire life in Menlo Park. He was the youngest child of the late William J. Helfrich and Evangelist (Costello) Helfrich of San Francisco. Frank was the last surviving sibling of the Menlo Park Helfrich family. He was preceded in death by his siblings William J. (Pete) Helfrich Jr. of South San Francisco, Mary E. Helfrich of Cupertino, Richard C. Helfrich of Redwood City, Dr. Robert A. Helfrich of Salinas, Loretta Fowler of Redding, and Dr. Philip Helfrich of Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Frank was the beloved Uncle of William H. Helfrich of Menlo Park, John F. Helfrich of Rancho Cordova, Richard C. Helfrich of Rio Linda, Roberta M. Bojo of Redwood City, Russ Helfrich of Redwood City, Ron Helfrich of Palm Desert, Erin Jones of Pacifica, Mark Fowler of Anderson CA, Mary Fowler of Beijing China, Dr. Patrick Fowler of Redding, Dr. Christopher Fowler of Sunnyvale, Katheen Helfrich of Kaneohe Hawaii, Karen Jewell of Lakewood CO, and Megan Helfrich of Kaneohe Hawaii.
Frank was a 96 year resident of Menlo Park. After graduation from Sequoia High in 1947, he attended San Jose State University and then Santa Clara University where he graduated in 1951 with a B.S degree in business administration. Upon graduation, Frank was drafted into the US Army and deployed to Korea where he served two years of active duty. He was awarded an honorable discharge from the Army in late 1953. In early 1954, Frank went to work for the Federal Reserve Bank where he was employed for 30 years at various capacities including assignments as an internal auditor, until his retirement in 1983.
Frank was an avid leisure traveler as well. His summer trip to Europe in 1950 with his classmates at Santa Clara opened his eyes to the world and he wanted to see more. From 1955 to 1980, Frank traveled extensively through the countries of Europe as well as to Mexico and the Holy Land. His favorite country was Italy!
Being an avid historian and lifelong Menlo Park resident, Frank pursued his interests during retirement as an active member of the Menlo Park Historical Society for over 30 years. He was twice association president, and always an active board member. He will be sorely missed! May he rest in peace.