Daniel James Helfrich Sr, age 83, passed away on May 2, 2026, leaving a legacy defined by hard work, integrity, and deep love for his wife and sons.

Born in 1943, a native of McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Dan was the son of Edward C. Helfrich, Sr. and Gertrude (Kelly) Helfrich, attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from McKees Rocks High School in 1962. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. He was an Expert Riflemen at Fort Benning, GA, and played football in the Missile Bowl. Following his military service, Dan married his wife, Janet Lorenzo, in 1966. He balanced family responsibilities while working two jobs and attending college on the GI Bill. He graduated with a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1975.

His career included Manager of Safety at Rockwell International and Director of Safety for Kmart in Troy, MI, and Harris Teeter in Matthews, NC. He was an active member of the National Safety Council and American Society of Safety Engineers.

Moving to Troy, Michigan in 1978, he was a long-time, active member of St. Anastasia Church and was General Manager of the Troy Cowboys Youth Football League. Dan coached all his boys and mentored countless young athletes in all sports throughout the 80’s. Dan was a member of Oakland Hills Country Club. After moving to South Carolina in 2003, he became a devoted member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Upon retiring in 2008, he spent his days enjoying golf and working as a starter at Fort Mill Golf Club, where he loved the friendships and time with others on the course.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, three children, Daniel Jr., David and Steven, and two grandchildren, Jake and Bella. He also is survived by his sister, Noreen Egan (Al Egan) and twin brothers, Tim Helfrich (Julie), Terry Helfrich (Janet), and recently deceased older brother Ed Helfrich, Jr. (Midge). He was a loving mentor to his 12 nieces and nephews, a proud uncle, and a devoted grandfather.

A service to celebrate his life will be held on May 13, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s Attention Home, P.O. Box 2912, Rock Hill, SC 29732, www.attentionhome.org where his frequent Christmas donations brought joy to many children.