Dennis J. Helm

Dennis J. Helm, age 80, of Cedar Grove, NJ passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Dennis was born in Hudson County, New Jersey, and raised in Union City. He was one of two children born to Frank and Lillian Helm. He attended Memorial High School in West New York, graduating with the Class of 1964.

Following high school, Dennis began his career as an airplane technician at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, NJ. He later switched his sights to a career in public service and graduated from the Port Authority Police Academy in 1974. Dennis proudly served with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for twenty-five years.  Through the years he rose to the rank of Detective before retiring in 1999.  Throughout his career, Dennis was truly loved and respected by his colleagues and his peers.

Dennis embraced retirement fully and with open arms. He loved to spend his time freshwater fishing, especially at his favorite fishing spot in Franklin Lakes, NJ, on property bordering the home of his dear friend Joe. Dennis was a man of many interests, he enjoyed learning to play the guitar, painting, and spending time playing poker with his “Holly Lane Poker Group.”  He also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City and Mount Airy, PA, where he played his favorite casino games, including blackjack, Caribbean stud, and craps.

On May 4, 1968, Dennis married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra DiPaolo, at Lady of Libera Church in West New York. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and raising their two dear children, Jill and Dennis.

Dennis and Sandra shared a love of travel, enjoying cruises to many destinations.  One of their most memorable vacations was a European trip in the 1990s with friends, visiting Italy, Germany, and Austria. Their final trip as a family was a treasured visit to New York City’s oldest tavern, McSorley’s.

Dennis was most happy when surrounded by family and friends. He enjoyed dining out, especially for Chinese food, steak dinners, and his favorite meal of all…hot dogs!  Dennis and Sandra were longtime parishioner of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Cedar Grove.  He also held a special place in his heart for his beloved Havanese, Buddy, who survives him, and his cherished poodle, Sammy, who predeceased him.

Above all else, Dennis’s greatest passion in life was his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Dennis than providing for and spending time with his children and grandchildren.  He and Sandra cherished fifty-seven years of loving and loyal marriage.  He was known as a jokester and prankster.  He delighted in teasing those he loved most, which was a clear reflection of the warmth, humor, and joy he brought everyone around him.

Dennis will be remembered as a loving husband, and a truly devoted father and grandfather.  He was a truly special person who touched the lives of everyone he met and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Dennis is survived by his wife Sandra Helm  (nee DiPaolo) of Cedar Grove, NJ, one son Dennis Helm of North Arlington, NJ, one daughter Jill Higuera and her husband Steven of Wayne, NJ, five grandchildren; Jake Higuera of Wayne, NJ, Justin Higuera of Wayne, NJ, Richard Helm of North Arlington, NJ, Jackie Helm and her wife Samantha of Secaucus, NJ, and Sabrina Luna-Helm and her husband Fernando Luna Cuevas of Bergenfield, NJ, his sister-in-law Josephine Helm of Bergenfield, NJ.  He was predeceased by his brother Frank Helm.