Hanover, PA – David Helstowski, of Hanover, PA, passed away on July 26. A talented horseman and lifelong fan of harness racing, Dave was immersed in the industry from a young age, having grown up at Miller Bottom on Hanover Shoe Farms.
Dave worked at Hanover for over two decades and became a familiar face in the industry—whether leading yearlings in Hanover’s sale videos or in the Harrisburg sales ring throughout the 1980s and ’90s. From 1993 to 1999, he managed Hanover’s New Jersey stallion farm. In the 2000s, he went on to serve as breeding manager at Fashion Farms.
Dave is revered as a natural horseman by many of his colleagues and is regarded as a mentor to numerous horsemen and horsewomen who will continue in the industry.
Dave is survived by his wife of 37 years, Michelle; daughters Victoria and Shelly (Enmanuel); grandchildren Zandro David and Wren; sisters Ann Toot (Tim) and June Stremmel (Tony); and brother Alfred Kelly (Lynn). He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Rita Kelly.
An avid outdoorsman, Dave loved hunting and fishing. To those closest to him, he was affectionately known as “Grumps.”