George D. Helme, 82, of New Bedford died February 8, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital after a brief illness.
He was the husband of Dorothy M. (Fernandez) Helme.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Robert and Laura (Stevens) Helme, he had lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a member of Faith Christian Center in Seekonk.
Mr. Helme was formerly employed as a police officer with the City of New Bedford Police Department from August 31, 1947 until his retirement on January 31, 1985.
During World War II, Mr. Helme served aboard the USS Colahan, a destroyer which was part of the Pacific Fleet Task Force that participated in the surrender of Emperor Hirohito in Japan that ended the war on September 2, 1945. He was a recipient of the Philippine Liberation medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Campaign medal with one silver star and 3 bronze stars, the American Area Campaign medal and the World War II Victory medal.
Survivors include his wife; a son George D. Helme, Jr. of Los Angeles, Ca.; a daughter, Susan Willis, and her husband Charles, of Lakeville; a sister, Laura Mardenbro of Connecticut; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Floyd Helme, Russell Helme, Dorothy Inge, Robert Helme, Erwin Helme, Rene Fabio, Alma Souza, Marial Helme and Myrtle Ribeiro.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Service in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Saturday, February 12th at 10 AM.
Visiting hours Friday, February 11th from 4-8 PM.
Interment Acushnet Cemetery.