Helmut Gerhardt Lecke, 81, of Yardley, PA, passed away on January 13, 2026, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Langhorne, PA, of lymphoma.
Born on April 8, 1944, in Berlin, Germany, Helmut was the son of the late Wilhelm Lecke and Gudrun Fett (née Ziegelroth). He was educated in Germany before establishing a successful career as an electrical engineer and serving his country in the National Guard.
Helmut was a man of many interests, often found behind a camera lens capturing the world, working with the latest computer technology, or traveling to the coast for whale watching. Above all, he was defined by his devotion to his family. He was a dedicated husband who provided extraordinary, compassionate care for his wife, Rochelle, throughout her struggle with severe dementia at Artis Senior Living of Yardley. He follows Rochelle into rest just eight days after her passing on January 5, 2026.
Affectionately known as “Opa” since the birth of his first grandchild in 2001, Helmut was deeply loved by his eight grandchildren. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Jennifer Goldfeder (2016), and his brothers “Hansi” (Johannes, 1966), “Rudi” (Rudolf, 2022), and Peter (2024).
He is survived by his children, Peter Lecke, Michael Lecke (Shannon), Philip Goldfeder (Carrie), and Jason Goldfeder (Ketriellah); his sister, Renate Schühle; and his brother, Thomas Lecke-Lopatta.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, 1534 Pennington Road, Ewing, NJ 08618. Following burial at Ewing Cemetery, guests are invited to join the family for Shiva at the family residence in Yardley until 5:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Yehi zichro baruch—May his memory be a blessing.