Thomas Stafford Helm, 70

MILFORD - Thomas Stafford Helm of Milford passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, after a long illness. He was 70.

Mr. Helm was born on Staten Island, N.Y., on Sept. 22, 1937, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Helm of Staten Island.

He was a graduate of St. John's University, School of Pharmacy, N.Y., and was an expert in the field of product quality control.

Mr. Helm was employed by several pharmaceutical and personal products manufacturers during his career.

He was retired from the former Scott Paper facility in Dover.

Mr. Helm was a veteran who served as a medic in the U.S. Army.

Tim, as he was known to his immediate family, was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a beekeeper and former president of the Kent County Bee Keepers Association.

Mr. Helm also enjoyed gardening, was a gourmet cook and was a gifted antique clock repairer who shared his talents with his neighbors and family.

He will be sorely missed by the many friends he made in his years here in Delaware.

The family wishes to extend their thanks to Delaware Hospice for their help during this difficult time.

Mr. Helm was preceded in death by a brother, Richard T. Helm.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Cooley) Helm; a son, Timothy Helm of Arizona; a daughter, Kathleen Helm of Staten Island; a daughter, Elizabeth Helm McGovern, also of Staten Island; five grandchildren, Kaitlin and Sean White, and Jack, Elizabeth and Liam McGovern; a stepdaughter, Lisa Thomas; a brother, Robert Helm of Lincoln; and a sister, Madeleine Gough of Staten Island.

Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Thursday in the Reformation Lutheran Church, 613 Lakeview Ave., Milford, where friends may call one hour prior.

The Rev. John Ranney will be officiating.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to Memorial-Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 27106, New York, NY 10087-7106.

Arrangements by Lofland Funeral Home, Milford.