Douglas Edward Helwig, age 74, of Stratford, beloved husband of Donna Kotchko Helwig, passed away on February 12, 2024. Doug was born in Milford on October 11, 1949, to the late Carleton and Beatrice Jean (White) Helwig and had been a lifelong area resident. He was a graduate of Bunnell High School class of 1967, was a U. S. Army Green Beret during the Vietnam War, and loved drinking Two Roads beer while watching UConn Basketball. After his time in the service, he became an optician and retired while working for United Technologies. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife of 49 years include his devoted children, Jessie Rehm and her husband John of Stratford, and Travis Helwig and his wife Jen Statsky of California, three cherished grandchildren, Andrew, Grace and Owen, brother Robert (Tammy) Helwig of Florida, sister Diane (Bill) Slattery of Milford and several nieces and nephews. Despite whatever rumors you may have heard, he was 6'5" tall.

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, February 20th from 3-6 p.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Stratford Public Library or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.