For those of us privileged to know them, the January passing of two Waynesboro men was a tremendous loss. Jack Duffey, 90, died on January 6th, and Bill Helfrick, 93, passed away on January 13th. After fulfilling productive lives that mirrored each other in many ways, it seems almost fitting that Jack and Bill, who were next-door neighbors and friends for half a century, concluded their long journeys only a week apart.
I was fortunate to know these special men. Jack Duffey was my coach, neighbor, and friend. Bill Helfrick was my role model, mentor, and loving father. After an outpouring of community support and kindness that comforted both families, it seemed proper to share some memories from their remarkably similar lives.
Jack and Bill eagerly accepted many roles during their lifetimes. They were sons, brothers, classmates, service members, husbands, fathers, coaches, professionals, civic leaders, volunteers, grandfathers, and most all, friends to many. Bill and Jack wore all these hats with confidence.
My father, Bill, was three years Jack’s senior. Dad was born in Waynesboro in 1930, and Jack followed in 1933. Being older, Bill achieved a few milestones first. He graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1948, Jack in 1951. Jack married his sweetheart Wilma in September, 1955, while Bill wed his bride, Peg, three years earlier in September, 1952. They each celebrated long partnerships with their wives. Bill spent 71 years married to Peg, who survives him, and Jack enjoyed 59 years with Wilma; only separated by her passing in 2013.
Both men enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War era. Jack was a combat controller, and Bill worked as an aircraft mechanic. After serving their country, each man returned to Waynesboro to build families and careers. Bill and Peg took on the challenge of raising seven kids; Jack and Wilma brought up three children.
Jack grew a career from his military roots, working as a Communications Specialist for the Federal Government. He served at Site R and Fort Ritchie. Bill turned toward his interest in industry and became an Advertising Manager at Waynesboro’s Landis Machine Company. Both Jack and Bill had successful careers, but saved plenty of gas in their tanks to pursue productive lives after retirement.
I first met Jack as a ten-year-old YMCA wrestler. Small in physical stature, and unskilled in the rigors of that sport, I suffered many lopsided defeats. As a coach, Jack always encouraged despite my deficiencies. When I wanted to quit after year one, he talked me into another season. I agreed, and experienced steady progress that next year. After one memorable victory, Jack greeted me with a handshake and proud grin. He taught a valuable lesson: with steady practice and dedication, improvement always follows.
Bill Helfrick lived the by the same credo. He coached an older brother in Little League. The example Dad conveyed was identical to Jack’s: work hard, give your best effort, and always believe in yourself. Our Father set high standards but never expected anything from his children he wouldn’t uphold himself.
In 1973, Dad completed a lifelong dream and built our home on Reservoir Avenue. It was our fortunate fate we would live next door to the Duffey’s. During the next five decades, we grew to cherish the friendly ties between our families. This lasting relationship began during an era when neighbors regularly chatted across the front yard or driveway.
Living next door, Wilma Duffey was the sweetest woman you could ever meet. The Duffey’s youngest daughter, Laurie, was cut from that same cloth. We’re lucky that the two kind Duffey siblings, Suz and Doug, remain our friends to this day.
In the early years, our Reservoir Heights neighborhood was packed with friends who picnicked together on the Fourth of July. In time, many of those neighbors eventually moved away. But the Duffey and the Helfrick families remained side by side. My younger brother, who enjoyed a special bond with Jack, asked him to be a groom at his wedding. Although Jack was an elder by many years in that wedding party, he fit in perfectly with his charming nature.
Over the years, Jack often knocked on our back door, simply to say hello or share a joke. He delivered delicious home-grown tomatoes every summer. As Jack and Bill grew older together, they shared a riding mower. Dad always had time for a chat with Jack, and vice versa.
After Bill and Jack retired, they put their boundless energy and community spirit into action. Jack Duffey served as Post Commander at American Legion Joe Stickell Post #15. He also was a member of Acacia Lodge #586 and Franklin County Shrine Club, where he served in leadership roles, including as past President. Jack was part of Tall Cedars of Lebanon, National Sojourners, and was honored with the 33rd Degree by the Harrisburg Consistory. Jack also served as chairman of the American Red Cross Blood Drive, and coached various sporting teams.
Likely inspired by Jack, Bill Helfrick also volunteered for blood drives and manned local voting polls. Dad worked with our Mom at the Lunch Place, serving meals to people in need. He was part of the dedicated volunteers that restored the cupola from the old high school building and helped turn it into a work of architectural art. With gusto, he helped organize multiple Class of ’48 reunions and picnics. In 2000, Bill was instrumental in forming the Waynesboro Industrial Museum, and later co-authored a book on Geiser Company’s history. In his final years, he worked on a new, yet unpublished book on Landis Machine.
Jack and Bill were social creatures, always traveling around town for meals with friends, or focused on a project. Bill was seen often at Builders Supply. Jack was a regular diner at the Parlor House. Their long-standing community presence made Bill and Jack popular and respected men throughout Waynesboro. Their non-stop energy seemed to defy the laws of aging. Eventually, both men slowed down in their late 80s, but remained engaged with friends.
Many conversations were held between these two men when the central theme was their long friendship. Jack always bragged they never lost their tempers or suffered a disagreement in all those years as neighbors. Whether they differed in political, religious, or social beliefs, they never came between Jack and Bill.
During the last months of his life, Jack moved into Hearthstone Retirement Home. Bill missed his friend and often called to check on Jack’s welfare. After the pandemic subsided, Bill went for personal visits with Jack. With mutual fondness, Jack always wanted updates about his buddy Bill. At the beginning of 2024, shortly before their deaths, their friendship remained strong. Both men had staying power with deep-rooted loyalties.
After their nearly joint passing, the generation following them will hopefully be inspired by their devotion to the Waynesboro community. Filling Jack and Bill’s gigantic civic shoes will be a challenge, but now other like-minded citizens can step forward and contribute to bettering their hometown.
Jack Duffey was a tall man in physical stature and in his deeds. His well-lived life was a clear example of how to be a leader and a gentleman. He was an amazing man. Jack’s longtime friend, our Father Bill, was never big physically, but through his incredible spirit, and the long productive life Bill Helfrick lived, he’ll always be the tallest man his children will ever know.
Farewell, Jack and Bill. Your long accomplished lives were an inspiration to your family, friends, and the community you served. Your unique souls will always be cherished and remembered.
