Richard D. Hellmer

Richard D. Hellmer, 92, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the University of Cincinnati Hospital, with family by his side.

In the months leading up to his passing, Richard had been recovering at Chesterwood Advanced Therapy following a fall at home. During that time, his children and stepchildren, traveling from Colorado, Texas, Florida, Buffalo, and Mason, Ohio, created a remarkable circle of care—each taking turns spending a week at his side. For more than four months, they ensured he was never alone, surrounding him with love, companionship, and support.

Richard was born on December 1, 1933, in Detroit, Michigan, to Charles B. Hellmer and Irene Lang Hellmer. Following his graduation from Holy Redeemer High School, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, primarily stationed in Japan and Korea, where he also played baseball on his traveling base team. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he began a long and successful career with JCPenney, starting as a management trainee and advancing through stores across Michigan and Ohio, then to Olean.

Richard was deeply committed to his community. He joined the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce in 1976, was named to its Board of Directors in 1980, and served as President in 1983 and 1984. He also served as President of the United Way of Cattaraugus County during the 1980s. Even in retirement, his dedication to service continued. In 1994, he was named Top Volunteer of the Year for his leadership in the Chamber’s reaccreditation efforts with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Richard is survived by his adoring wife of 35 years, Nancy Cashimere Walsh; his sister, Joan Hengy of Monroe, Michigan; his children: Vicki Hellmer (Joe Phillips), Tracy LeFebre (Mike), and Cindy Kirk (Scott), all of Colorado; Debbie Hellmer of Canada; Jeff Hellmer of Texas; and Christine Hellmer (Brian Woodstock) of Florida; his stepchildren, Courtney Walsh of Buffalo and Meghan Heister (Joseph) of Mason, Ohio; 15 cherished grandchildren—Sam LeFebre, Maria Barkmeier, Jack Kirk, Hannah Kirk, Nathaniel Kalil, Jessica Kalil, Katlyn Hellmer, Michael Hellmer, Ashley Alain, Nicholas Hellmer, Emilee Russell, Christopher Russell, Maddie Heister, Daniel Heister, and Sophia Heister; and 7 great-grandchildren.

A memorial visitation will begin at 9 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Bonaventure Church, 95 E Main St, Allegany. A Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Richard’s honor.  

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com