Hoosick Falls – Ralph Felix Helft, 73, passed away on Wednesday January 4, 2017, following a stroke on December 16, surrounded by his family, at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. He resided at the former Ehmler Estate on River Road in Hoosick Falls.[private]
Ralph was born on March 29, 1943, in Queens, New York, son of the late George and Anne (Reuter) Helft. Ralph took great pride in his industrious ancestors and their remarkable history. Ralph’s parents immigrated from Germany, fleeing the Nazis during WWII. Both families (Helft and Reuter) left behind all of their assets, mills and factories; throughout Ralph’s life he always strived to rebuild the family’s wealth. Ralph’s parents established a Firestone store on John Street in Hoosick Falls in 1948.
Ralph was educated at schools in Hoosick Falls and his education continued as he attended the school of hard knocks, which he took great pride in. When Ralph graduated from high school in 1961, he was drafted into the army. Following the army he began driving a tractor trailer, making difficult deliveries in and out of New York City. Ralph was always an entrepreneur; he established his own business recycling scrap metal and tires. He owned and operated Hoosick Tire for more than 25 years until his son Scott took over the business.
Ralph was a self taught financial genius, he absorbed knowledge by reading investment newspapers and watching the stock market. He operated his own financial advisement business and was recruited by large investment firms in Manhattan. He declined these positions to stay in Hoosick Falls with his family. Ralph had a love of art, his financial deals and investments.
He enjoyed riding four wheelers on his estate, he was an animal lover and enjoyed the outdoors, learning about local and global history, Walter A. Wood, collecting old coins and stamps, as well as attending car shows in the area. Ralph loved knowledge and was always reading and learning new things. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren. [/private]