IN MEMORIAM

Elliott M. Helfand, 100;

Ran Department Store

In Downtown Richfield

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – Elliot Meyer Helfand, 100, proprietor of Ruby’s Department Store here for many years, passed away on Sunday morning July 28, 2019, in Windsor of Venice Hospice Care, Venice, Fla., with his loving wife, Marty, at his side.  They resided in Englewood, Fla.

He was born on Jan. 12, 1919, in New York City, son of the late Reuben and Rose Osowitz Helfand.  He was educated in Brushton, Franklin County, where his parents also operated a department store, and went on to Michigan State University and Clarkson University. where he earned a bachelor’s.

In 1943 he answered the call of his country, enlisting in the Army Air Corp.  He was honorably discharged in in 1946, attaining the rank of private first Class.  On Sept. 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to the former Florence Morris in Baltimore, Md.  They shared a loving and devoted union of 49 years until her passing on Nov. 25, 1995.

For many years, Mr. Helfand owned Ruby’s Department Store in Richfield Springs.  He retired in January 1984.  On April, 4, 1997 he married the former Martha Koch-Hecox.  They spent their time in both Richfield Springs on Canadarago Lake in the summer months and in Englewood during the winter.

Elliot had a strong belief in God and was a member of both Temple Beth Joseph in Herkimer and Temple Beth-El in North Port, Fla.  He had a strong sense of community and was 65- year member of North Star Lodge # 107 Free and Accepted Masons, a member for 60 years of the Richfield Springs Rotary Club, an honorary member at the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Club in Englewood, the  American Legion Post # 616 Richfield Springs, and Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439.

In his leisure time he enjoyed playing golf and was the oldest living playing member of the Otsego Golf Club.  He was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family, especially his five cherished grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He will be sadly missed.

Surviving him are his devoted wife of 22 years, Marty; two sons, William Helfand of Los Angeles and Terry Helfand of Hillsboro, N.J.; two daughters, Marsha Rubenstein and her husband Alan of Staten Island, and Deborah Cohen and her husband Alan of Baltimore; , five grandchildren,  two great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents and first wife Florence, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law Sol and Estelle Helfand and daughter-in-law Mary Stockdale.

The funeral was Friday at Temple Beth Joseph, Herkimer.  Interment followed in Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs.

Shiva will be observed at 7 p.m. this evening, Tuesday and Wednesday at 222 Bibik Road, Richfield Springs.

Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Helfand-HecoxScholarship, PO Box 631, Richfield Springs, NY 13439, or to Temple Beth Joseph, PO Box 190, Herkimer, NY 13350.