Richard Harriss Hellinger
Richard Hellinger, 63, died in home hospice care on Sept 22, 2022 after a 4 year battle with kidney cancer.
Rich had 2 homes: India and Atlanta, GA. His parents, Richard and Frankee Hellinger, worked in Bengaluru India, building a teaching hospital that thrives today. The family returned to Orlando during the final year of Rich’s high school education. Rich did not find his US “home” until he moved to Atlanta to study at Emory University, where he met the love of his life, Susan Conger.
Rich first developed his love of music while in India, and music remained his strongest passion. His desire to have time for his music led him to a career as a software developer, which he believed provided him flexibility to pursue his music. He soon grew to love software as much as he loved music and was employed at the Emory Goizueta Business school when he died.
He is survived by his wife, Susan and his 5 siblings: Frances (Lance) Haines of Arlington VA; Laura Hellinger of Orlando FL; John (Susan) Hellinger of Orlando FL; Amy (Dan) Polfer of Maitland FL; and Elizabeth Stum of Seabrook TX. He is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews.
An avid reader, Rich could work the NY Times crossword in less than 10 minutes. Rich was known for his guitar skill, his ready humor, and his kind and friendly nature.
There will be a graveside service for the family followed by a private reception in Richard’s neighborhood. Before his death, he requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Winship Cancer Institute, Decatur Cooperative Ministry, or Michael C Carlos Museum at Emory.
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Praying for comfort and understanding during this time for Susan and Rich’s family and friends
I enjoyed conversations with Rich about India and listening to him play guitar. The clearest memory I have of him was visiting him at his home in Atlanta a long, long time ago. He had just purchased a new computer. I remember how excited and amazed he was when he said, “it has a GIG of storage!” He explained what that meant comparatively to the typical PC of the day. At the time it was just a moment of techno wow. Now it’s hilarious. 🙂
Rich will always be unforgettable – for his many musical talents, his gentle and kind demeanor, and his great humor. Many years have passed but I knew him when we were students at Emory, got a band together (“Distance”) and played at Emory, sundry dives downtown and even on the Stone Mountain Riverboat for a wedding. Worked together too (the Housing Office was never the same!) and so many laughs all along the way. Love to you Susan, and prayers for both strength and serenity in the joy you shared together.
See you on the other side. You better greet me! Bring, the baritone.
Dick was my best playmate from the time he moved to Orlando until he left for India around 1968. By the time he returned, I was no longer playing with boys. I was in high school and he was in middle school. But, I still have fond memories of our childhood fun! Along with our siblings we often played Star Trek. Dick was Captain Kirk and I was Spock and the younger kids were Sulu and Ohura, etc. Our spaceship was a giant plant by the side of his house. I wish I knew the name of the plant! We had many green orange fights, we melted army men into green puddles, we swam in the lake, and I still remember being envious when he won the Stingray bicycle in the school raffle. I’m sorry that I never knew him as an adult. I was off to college by the time he returned from India a second time and then off to California.