Obituary of Arne Helland

Arne C. Helland, 70, of East Haven passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2022. He was born October 5, 1951 in New Haven to Arne and Martha (Nielson) Helland. Arne is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Regina (Esposito) Helland and four loving children, Arne Helland Jr. of East Haven, Gabriel Helland of Wallingford, Mary Helland of East Haven and Janie Diaz (Eddie) of North Haven, along with four grandchildren he treasured, Frank Scalo, Gabriel Helland, Edward and Alex Diaz. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy Strampach of New Haven, nephew, John Strampach, niece, Elizabeth Strampach and in-laws, Gerald Dowd (Joan), Patty Proto, Rosalind Leindorf (Steve), Gabe Esposito (Kathy) and Andrea Greenberg (Joshua). He also leaves behind extended family members Jamie Fallon and Stephanie Bracero-Cruz. Arne is preceded in death by his parents and son, Chris Helland (2020). Arne grew up in the High Ridge section of East Haven. He was Captain of the East Haven High School Swim Team, Class of 1969. Arne attended University of New Haven for 3.5 years before realizing his passion and skillset for carpentry. Arne worked as a master carpenter for Yale University for 35 years before retiring to spend his days with the love of his life and best friend. He did not eat vegetables, but he loved to grow them in his garden to share them with family and friends. Arne enjoyed taking walks with his daughter and beloved fur daughter Skye, visiting all his neighborhood friends and fur friends. He reveled in raising and mentoring his grandsons Frank and Gabriel. Family will receive mask wearing friends on Saturday, July 30, from 1 P.M. until the time of service at 4 P.M. in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private.