Christian “Chris” Helm, 64, of Nutley, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021. Born in Orange, NJ, he was the son of the late Christian and Margaret (Hearon) Helm. Chris was raised in Bloomfield and moved to Nutley 32 years ago where he made his life. Chris attended St. Thomas the Apostle grammar school in Bloomfield, NJ. He was a 1975 graduate of Essex Catholic High School in Newark, NJ where he was an outstanding running back for the Essex Eagles. He attended Bloomfield College, where he met the love of his life, Maria. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and then went on to obtain his Doctorate of Chiropractic at Life University in Marietta, GA. He then established his practices in Montclair and Bloomfield before retiring. He was currently employed as a Technology Specialist at Northwest Essex Community Healthcare in Belleville.
Chris was a kind, gentle and easy-going man and had the ability to make people laugh in an instant with his quick, dry wit and unique sense of humor. If anybody was in need, he was there immediately. He spent his whole life giving selflessly and expecting nothing in return.
Chris will be fondly remembered for spending much of his time behind a camera. He loved the art of photography and what started as a hobby became a true passion. Through his beautiful and undeniable talent, he was able to capture great memories for family and friends to last a lifetime. From engagements to weddings to communions, his work is joyfully displayed in the houses of those he loved. In particular, he had a love for the athletic programs of Nutley High School and Wayne Valley High School and graciously donated his time and talent to photograph hundreds of games. So many athletes will be able to remember their high school careers from the pictures and collages that Chris so enthusiastically created for them.
Christian is survived by his beloved wife Maria (Federico) Helm; his children Christian Helm and his wife Kelly and Brittany Hodgman and her husband Michael, as well as his three beloved grandchildren, Parker Ann and Delaney Max Helm, and Michael Christian Hodgman. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Morris and Mary Beecham and by many nieces and nephews.
Visitors will be received at the funeral home on Thursday, June 10th from 4-8pm.
The funeral will be Friday, June 11th at 8:30am from the S.W. Brown & Son Funeral Home, (www.swbrownandson.com), 267 Centre St., Nutley.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Bloomfield at 9:30am.
The interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Fight ALS Now at www.fightALSnow.org or A-T Children’s Project at www.atcp.org would be appreciated. (Scroll to bottom for donation links)