Bernard A. Helmandollar

Bernard A. Helmandollar, age 88, of Bluefield, cherished father and grandfather, died on Friday, July 20, 2012 while at his residence. Born on November 23, 1923 in Montcalm, he was a son of the late George Thomas Helmandollar and Martha Hawks Helmandollar. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the 279th Engineer Combat Battalion of the US Army. While serving with the Battalion, he received the Bronze Star and the Certificate of Merit for rescuing troops under fire. Bernard was a retired coal miner with the U.S. Steel Corporation at the Gary number 14 mines. Bernard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Opal E. Helmandollar; sisters, Zola Brady, Lillian Shrader, Gladys Waldron, and Vergie Scott; and a brother, Howard Helmandollar. Survivors Include: Son: Bernard Ricky Helmandollar and wife Norma of Bluefield Daughter: Debbie Mariotti and husband Marty of Bluefield Grandsons: Bobby Helmandollar and wife Christina, Ricky Helmandollar and wife Melissa, Kelly Mariotti and Justin Mariotti. Great-grandchildren: Jacob, Dylan and Karlee Brother: Don Helmandollar and wife Francis of Powcatuck, CT Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Rev. David Kirby and Rev. Doug Bowman officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where Military Graveside Honors will be performed by the West Virginia Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Council. Friends may call on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until time of the service. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice Compassus, 103 Stafford Drive, Princeton, WV 24740. The family is accepting online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com. The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.