Sid Hellring, made in 1927 on July 8, and spirited in 2019 on June 21, remains in our hearts and fond memories. We have the history of our lives together. He left us with many photos, movies, slides, writings, and poems to recall our celebrations, our visits, our fun. We know his life philosophies. He walked the talk.
Son of Rose and Carl Hellring, Sid was born at home in Irvington, New Jersey. Starting at age 8 he worked at Hellring Brothers, a locksmith and contract hardware firm in Newark. He graduated Belleville High School in New Jersey in 1944. From 8/23/45-9/21/47 he was a Coast Guard merchant marine, an 11th Airborne paratrooper, and a soldier in the army of occupation in Japan.
In 1950, Sid moved his wife Evelyn (deceased) and his son Bruce (Phoenix) to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He and his father established Ace Locksmiths. He was certified an Architectural Hardware Consultant and added the contract hardware line. He served as executive director of the local builders’ association and was an active Rotary and Elks member.
By 1960 three children — Stuart (Meryl), Pittsburgh; Karen, Huntington Beach, California; and Lynn (Kevin), Texas — were born. Sid became the first scoutmaster of Ohev Sholom’s Boy Scout troop established March 31, 1958. On August 27, 1972, he married Lorraine Monti.
Living his dream to settle in Arizona, we arrived in Tucson in late July 1973. Sid was employed as an AHC for O’Malley’s, Nelson Holland, and Doorways. In 1984, he earned a B.A. from the University of Arizona with a major in creative writing and a minor in finance.
By the early ’80s, he propelled Hellring Accounting into the computer age. In May 1988, he received a Programming Specialist and Tutor award at a Pima Community College East Campus recognition dinner. In June 1988, he received a congratulatory letter as a Santa Catalina Villas Outstanding Older Adult from the Pima County Board of Supervisors.
“Joie de vivre,” his favorite and most frequently used phrase, was evidenced in his smiles and raised arms while visiting the building sites of his homes; while designing and building a menorah, many sukkahs, and all the other handiwork that stands today; while tending his garden, indoor plants, and feeding the birds; while raising rabbits, ducks, chicks, canary, and dogs; and while visiting with his children and grandchildren.
The joie de vivre of having his home filled with family and friends. Who knew how many would be at the dinner table or staying overnight? A ’60s black light room was a delight to his teenage boys and their friends. Our home provided a place for many who were in between moves, or who just needed a place of respite.
He loved celebrating holidays and fun gatherings with friends, neighbors, and Anshei Israel’s Young Marrieds, Havurah and Couple Connections groups. When celebrants were numerous, tables were rented, signs made up and posted for easy navigation, and boxes decorated to accept gifts for exchange.
By doing it his way, Sid led a joyful life. It is true he thought “everyone was entitled to his opinion,” but he understood and supported our need to do it our way. He listened to us. He offered the help he thought we may need. We listened to him. Many have expressed how he made an impact in their lives, or how grateful they were for his help when they needed it.
I, his children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, are blessed. We are encouraged to walk in our own stride as he did. Rest in peace and be proud of yourself Sid, as you have inspired and motivated us to put the joy of life in our everyday. Covid-19! We got this!
When physical distancing restraints are lifted, a Memorial Kiddush will be held for Sid at Congregation Anshei Israel in Tucson. A Memorial Celebration for Sid and my mother, Trudy Monti, will be held in Williamsport.
Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Anshei Israel, Rabbi Eisen Fund RN or any charity that cares for birds, pets, animals, and plants.
— Lorraine Hellring
