Philip F. Helle

RUTLAND - Philip F. Helle, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at UMass Memorial Medical Center - University Campus in Worcester.

Phil was loved by all who knew him. He was always quick with a smile, encouraging words and witty remarks. His family and friends meant the world to him.

Phil graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, class of 1959, Worcester Junior College earning an Associate’s Degree in Engineering, class of 1963, as well as Northeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1968. He worked at multiple manufacturing positions in Central Massachusetts, before founding the consulting firm, Helle-Abair Consulting Incorporated, with his dear friend and partner Bob Abair.

Phil was an avid Boston sports fan. He was one of the founders of the Central Massachusetts Pop Warner Football League, and the local team, the Rutland Raiders.

Phil’s hometown and the people of Rutland Massachusetts were near and dear to his heart. He was always positive and upbeat. Fun and festivities followed him. He constantly encouraged family and friends to get together, enjoy a laugh and a lobster, spending time with his relatives and grandchildren alike.

He was involved in numerous organizations including multiple school reunions, July 4th parade activities, Rutland’s 250th anniversary celebration and much more. From days as a young child and decades later Phil marched and rode in floats and classic automobiles entered in the Rutland July 4th parade. During Rutland’s 250th Anniversary, he was a proud member of the Demond Demons. Phil was also a member of the Rufus Putnam Free Masons Lodge for over 60 years.

Phil was proud of his Finnish heritage. As a young man he worked in the family’s public steam bath in Worcester Massachusetts including chopping wood to fuel the saunas from trees on their land in Rutland.

An avid camper and amateur stone mason, Phil travelled across New England with family and friends camping before eventually building a vacation cabin in Fryeburg, Maine on Kezar Pond with his brother Daniel Helle and friend Dave Hammond, naming it HHH. He loved Maine, listening to the Loons yodel at dusk, and enjoyed collecting stones to build future walls and fireplaces at family homes.

Phil is predeceased by his wife Ursula (Rapp) Helle, his parents Klaus and Vieno Helle and his brother Daniel Helle.

Phil leaves his daughter Julie A. (Helle) Grignon and her husband Paul of Warwick RI, his son Joel P. Helle of Phoenix AZ and his son Steven D. Helle and his wife Meghan of Scituate MA.

Phil also leaves his loving grandchildren, Cameron and Jace McCarthy, Nicholas and Olivia Helle, Danielle (Helle) DiGiacomo and Jacqueline Helle.

The family will be forever grateful for the support and friendship Phil had with Dick Gibney and his wife Gloria.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Phil’s family from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, February 2nd, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will take place privately in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Phil's name can be made to the First Congregational Church of Auburn online at https://www.auburnfirstucc.org/donate/, or to the Rutland 4th of July Committee online at www.rutlandma-4thofjuly.org/donate.