Obituary of David Scott Helmken

David Scott Helmken, 57, of Rockaway Borough, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, April 2, 2021. He was born on October 28, 1963 in Denville where he became an exceptional carpenter and was the eventual co-owner of Tomahawk Construction with long-time friend Mitchell Allison.

David is predeceased by his daughter Cassidy Ann Helmken, among many other cherished family and friends.

He is survived by his youngest daughter Katie Helmken and her wife Dorothy of Hopatcong, NJ; sister Gayle Lynn McDonald and her husband Stephen, of Staatsburg, NY. He is also survived by his nephews Stephen McDonald and his daughter Mikayla, and Kevin McDonald and his wife Courtney. His survivors also include his many family and friends who remember him affectionately as always having an infectious smile and warm heart.

David will always be known by his childhood nickname Pumpkin with which he had a love/hate relationship. He will be remembered for dancing the night away at many backyard barbecues with the best live music at his home in Denville and at concerts all over the country. David’s love of music brought him great joy: from travelling on tour with the Grateful Dead and Phil Lesh and Friends, to attending week-long Bluegrass festivals, and frequenting many local venues with some of his closest friends playing on stage. David found so many wonderful places to spend time with family and friends (while usually sporting his trademark love of tie-dye shirts). David also loved many outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, and canoeing where he would spend lots of time with his daughters.

Private arrangements were made with Tuttle Funeral Home, however a combined Celebration of Life for David Helmken and daughter Cassidy Helmken will be held on Saturday July 24, 2021 from 1pm - 5pm at Horseshoe Lake, 72 Eyland Ave, Succasunna, NJ 07876.