David P. Helveston, 75, passed away on Monday (October 31, 2022) at Hornell Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness.
Mr. Helveston was born on August 19, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa. to Alfred K. and Alberta P. (Bussinger) Helveston. He was a 1965 graduate of Abington High School in Abington, Pa. Dave served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969. On December 30, 1967 at the Abington United Methodist Church, he married Lois E. Pinter, who survives.
Dave moved to Andover in 1986 to purchase and operate Deer Run Campground in Andover with his wife until 2008. During this time he also worked for Short’s Gas Station in Andover for 25 years, retiring in 2019.
In addition to his wife of 54 years, Dave is survived by a daughter, Dawn (Jim) See of Lorain, Ohio; two sons, David S. Helveston of Egg Harbor, N.J. and Daniel R. (Susan Ebbling) Helveston of Wellsville; one brother, Richard (Carol) Helveston of Willow Grove, Pa.; and one sister, Deborah (Paul) Wittmer of Ambler, Pa.
Additionally, he is survived by six grandchildren, Jim See III and William See, both of Lorain, Ohio, Maggie Helveston of Buffalo and Benjamin Helveston, Matthew Helveston and Allison Helveston, all of Wellsville; one sister-in-law, Nancy (Charles) Cerino of Willow Grove, Pa.; a close friend, Dale Gaylord of Andover; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dave loved Deer Run Campground. There was nothing that he couldn’t fix and he was a wonderful mechanic, both skills that came in handy trying to operate a campground. He took great pride in keeping the park clean and well landscaped. Dave enjoyed cooking for the hunters that frequented the grounds. The variety of activities were always a challenge that he welcomed whether it was the pumpkin hunts, frisbee golf, pool games, fall hayrides or the massive influx of guests during Balloon Rally Weekend. Over the years, dogs were a favorite part of Dave’s life and they fit nicely into the fabric of running a family-oriented operation.
Dave also loved his family. It was always a special time to have family up from points beyond. When it was time for the grandkids to return home, he sent them off with a huge home cooked breakfast of eggs, home fries, sausage, toast and whatever else was available.
Dave did a lot of volunteer work. For many years he was on the Andover Rescue Squad and was a qualified EMT.
There will be a time of visitation on Friday (November 4) from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 3-4 p.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Full military honors will be rendered at 4:00 at the funeral home by the combined Andover and Wellsville American Legion and the United States Army. The memorial service will be held immediately following the military honors with Rev. Christian Mattison of the First Presbyterian Church of Andover officiating. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Dave’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Ambulance, Inc., PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806 or to Andover Volunteer Fire Department, PO 714, Andover, NY 14806. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
