Larry Leon Helsley

The staff at Heishman Funeral Home, Inc send condolences to the family of Larry Leon Helsley. Larry Leon Helsley, 82, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. Born in Woodstock, Virginia, in 1944 to Claude and Fleta Helsley, Larry was known for his commitment to family, community, and public service throughout his life. A 1962 graduate of Central High School, Larry began working for the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. He attended Virginia Western Community College and later transferred to Old Dominion University earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and interdisciplinary studies. He went on to build a successful career with Virginia Power, advancing through a number of leadership positions before retiring as Director of Customer Contracts. In 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Robin, and together they shared 57 years of marriage. Along the way, they raised two sons and built a home they loved so much in Allegheny County that, years later, they built the same home again in Edinburg along the Shenandoah River creating another place where family gathered and memories were made. Larry believed in public service and was actively involved in the communities where he lived. He was a longtime member of Woodstock United Methodist Church, and served as President of the Woodstock Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He served as Chairman of the Shenandoah County School Board, Lord Fairfax (now Laurel Ridge) Community College Board, and the Industrial Development Authority (EDA). He also served on the boards of the Greater Alleghany United Fund, Alleghany Highlands YMCA, Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Council, Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, and Shenandoah County Library, as well as numerous other civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Virginia. In retirement, Larry and Robin enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad. They particularly enjoyed spending time at Hilton Head Island, where Larry could often be found playing tennis, riding bikes, enjoying the early-bird dinner specials, and most importantly, spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife, Robin; his sons, Erik Helsley and wife Meg of Apex, North Carolina, and Neil Helsley and wife Trish of Vienna, Virginia; his grandchildren, Landen, Kate, Cohen, Aislin, and Órla; and his brother, Conrad Helsley and wife Esther of Strasburg, Virginia. Larry and Conrad remained close throughout their lives and maintained a tradition of celebrating their birthdays together over breakfast at Denny's. The family extends its gratitude to the staff of The Kensington Reston for the care and support provided to Larry during his final months, as well as to the teams at PHS Hospice Care and Greenfield Reflections for their compassionate care. A service in celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Woodstock United Methodist Church, Woodstock, VA, with a reception following. The service will be preceded by a private family inurnment. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org), Shenandoah County Library, or Woodstock United Methodist Church.

Larry Leon Helsley

May 27, 1944 - August 13, 2026