CLAREMONT, NH– Joseph Stephen Helie, 88, of Claremont, NH passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the VA in White River Junction, VT. He was born on May 29, 1936 to Laura (Rossi) and Joseph Helie in Laconia, NH.
Joe joined the Air Force in his teens. He received the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Upon returning from his service, he worked for Wonder Bread delivering bread. He also peddled Shirley’s Donuts on the side. He then worked for Carpet World prior to opening Helie’s Carpet Craft in 1965, which he ran out of his 1965 Ford station wagon. He opened a store front business, Helie’s Carpet in 1974. In 1987, he moved the business to its current location on Washington Street in Claremont. He also was the owner of The Savage Beast in Ascutney, VT during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, where Aerosmith performed in 1971. Joe was very active in the Claremont community. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and served as their President.
Joe had a passion for Harley Davidson Motorcycles and was Claremont’s own “Easy Rider”. He was a member of the Freelancer Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed the club’s many rides and the Lost Lid Boogie Parties. Joe was the life of the party wherever it was. He spent many years going to the Laconia Motorcycle Rallies. He had a love for his collection of Corvettes and anything that went fast. Joe enjoyed his Sunday afternoon Nascar Races.
The greatest joys in his life were his wife, children and their families. He was the best Pappa ever!!! Joe and Carol took many trips together. Their favorite places include Old Orchard Beach, Lake Placid, Bar Harbor and many car shows, They enjoyed vacations in West Palm Beach, Florida with Lisa, Jehad and their family. Joe enjoyed motorcycle rides with Joe, Kassy and friends. Motorcycle trips to Sturgis and Nova Scotia were right up there in his book.
Joe was predeceased by his parents and brothers: John and James Helie, and grandson Davis Hemingway. Also, Helen Neggessey, Joe and Lisa’s mom.
Survivors include his wife Carol Sue (Stevens) Helie whom he married on September 20, 2003, Son, Joe (Kassy) Helie of Newport, NH and Daughter, Lisa (Jehad) Atieh of West Palm Beach, FL. His sister Sue Ellen (Dana) Helie of Gloucester, MA. Grandchildren, JR (Megan)Helie; Samantha (Seth) Camp, Brittany (Raouf) Atieh- Saleh, Jay (Frannie)Atieh, and Alena Atieh. Greatgrandchildren Mason, Jad, Amere, and Jayson. Also, brother’s in-law Wayne Stevens and James Stevens, sister in-law Judith Bourque and several nephews and nieces including Tammy Therrien who Carol wants to thank for all of her help.
Funeral arrangements include visiting hours on Friday, September 27, 2024 from 5pm – 7pm at Stringer Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11am. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Claremont, NH. If you own a motorcycle, feel free to ride it to the service on Saturday as we will escort Joe to his final resting place.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Claremont Kiwanis Club, PO Box 615 Claremont, NH 03743.
Arrangements are with Stringer Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH 03743
