Obituary of William H. Helferich III

William H. Helferich III of Rochester passed away on March 3rd at age 80 at The Friendly Home.  Bill was born in Troy, NY and graduated from LaSalle Institute in Troy, Albany College of Pharmacy and Albany Law School of Union University, where he was valedictorian. He moved to Rochester to take a position as a law clerk for the NY State Court of Appeals. He was a partner at Harter, Secrest, and Emery for over 30 years. A skilled litigator, Bill was elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers.  He served on the management committee of his firm for many years.

Most importantly, Bill was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a friend to many and a gentleman to the end.  He was ever affable, kind, and polite, and he lived his life with unwavering honesty and integrity.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, Carol Hiller Helferich, his daughters Beth (Frank) Remmes and Joanna Helferich, his grandchildren Carlyn and Frankie Remmes, and his step-granddaughters Lauren (Ryan) Delaney, Lisa (Paul) Donovan and their families. He is also survived by his sister Marlene Bergendahl and his brother Gerard (Teresa Nicholas) Helferich.

Bill loved to play all kinds of games with his family throughout his life, including board games, cards, and word jumbles and had long-standing rivalries in table tennis and Scrabble with his daughter, Joanna.

Growing up near Saratoga, Bill developed a love of horse racing and spent many Sundays at Finger Lakes race track in Canandaigua with his father-in-law.  He owned a number of horses with some of his law partners and relished his trips to the winner’s circle.

Bill was a dedicated Dogfather to Barney, Jasper, and Mr. Chips.  He looked forward to his morning strolls with his dog-walking buddies.

Bill and Carol traveled extensively, often with close friends.  In retirement, he and Carol spent 18 winters in Sarasota, FL, where they attended various arts and cultural events and enjoyed taking their grandchildren to Siesta Key Beach. Bill and Carol played doubles in tennis together and frequented bridge tournaments.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the aides who supported them at home and the staff of the Friendly Home for their loving care. Memorial contributions may be given to the Friendly Home or to a charity of your choice.