Joseph D. "Jody" Helmuth, 24, of Richboro was given back to God on January 6, 2002 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital surrounded by those who loved him the most.

Jody was born April 23, 1977 and had been a resident of the Northampton Community for most of his life. He attended Richboro Elementary School, Richboro Junior High School and was a 1995 Council Rock High School Graduate. He earned a bachelor's degree in Public Administration from Kutztown University, graduating in 2000. At the time of his illness, Jody was employed by Enterprise Car Rentals of Feasterville as a sales representative.

Jody lived life to the fullest as is evidenced by his short yet full career. As a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, he served as an altar boy and participated in their CYO track and basketball programs. As a Northampton resident he traveled through the Northampton Indians Football Program and in spite of his illness, was visible to the youth of today who wish to follow in his footsteps. His love of football and leadership skills found him as Co-Captain of the Council Rock Football Team in his senior year. At Kutztown University, he enjoyed playing Rugby which he became acquainted with from his high school days with the Hibernian Rugby Club. When not in school, Jody could be found in Ocean City, New Jersey, either jump starting his very own ice cream business or working with children in various day care centers.

Unique, devoted, outgoing and an excellent sense of humor describes Jody well. His battle with cancer this past year and all the heroic measures he endured to maintain life have redefined the meaning of "courage".

Jody is the precious son of Josephine "Josie" Szumilas Helmuth and the late Howard D. Helmuth. He is the special brother of Kris J. and Mark B. of Richboro, PA and his best friend and love Tracey M. Wilhelm of Stowe, PA. He will also be sadly missed by his maternal grandmother, Mary "Babci" Szumilas of Philadelphia, PA and also many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Thursday, January 10, 2002 from 10:00 AM until his Funeral Mass 12:00 Noon at St. Vincent de Paul Church, Hatboro and Tanyard Roads, Richboro, PA. Interment is at Our Lady of Czestochowa Cemetery, Doylestown, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Helmuth Educational Trust Fund c/o 373 Twining Ford Rd, Richboro, PA 18954.