David Hellinger

David “Dave” Charles Hellinger, 54, of Vale, N.C. passed away on June 2, 2009 after a brief illness. Born in Elyria, Ohio on December 24, 1954. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jennifer and daughter, Deanna of the home, his mother Mary Ann Hellinger of Vero Beach, FL, two sisters, Heidi Hellinger and Robin (Tim) Kenney, and a niece Amanda all of Florida and a nephew, Brendan of New York. His father, Harvey C. Hellinger, Jr. preceded him in death. Before moving to Vale, David and his family resided in Florida where he worked as a photojournalist for an NBC News affiliate in West Palm Beach. More recently he worked as a web designer. He also worked for Southeastern Osteopathic College in Miami Beach. His work also took him on NASA rocket projects photographing rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, Florida; one of which bares his thumbprint on the SOHO Satellite and he was proud to boast that his DNA was floating in space. David loved boating, rocketry, astronomy, auctions, playing drums and his dogs, Ginger, Chester, Peaches and his cat, Tigger. The family will have a private viewing. A Celebration ceremony of Dave’s life and worship service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 6, 2009 at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Hickory with Pastor Dave Keck officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made directly to the family or to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 or to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church 2780 N. Center Street, Hickory, NC 28601.