Joseph P. Heleniak, 95, of Manchester, NH, and most recently Bedford, NH, passed away on March 7, 2026. Joe was born in Norwich, Connecticut on February 6, 1931, to Felix Heleniak and Sophia Gassek Heleniak.

At a young age, Joe moved to Manchester where he attended Manchester schools, and throughout his adult life worked in several automobile-related businesses in Manchester. Joe was also a Staff Sergeant in the 172nd Unit of the US Army Artillery from 1949 to 1957.

Joe resided in Manchester until early February 2024 when he became a resident at Carlyle Place in Bedford, NH, whose staff lovingly cared for Joe during his last several years and who were especially caring, respectful, and attentive to him during the last several days of his life. Joe would always call them ‘his friends’. The Elliot VNA/Hospice caregivers were also an integral part of caring for Joe during his last days.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Henry “Hank” Heleniak, Edward “Eddie” Heleniak, Laura Heleniak Sopala, Robert “Jack” Heleniak, Helen M. Heleniak, and John Heleniak, and is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026. Visitation will be held at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, starting at 9AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10AM at St. Hedwig Parish, 147 Walnut Street, Manchester, with burial to follow at St. Hedwig Cemetery, 71 Old Bedford Road, Bedford, NH.