Ernest "Ernie" Helmrich

November 1, 1929 - January 12, 2021

Ernie Helmrich, 91, of Aventura Florida passed away on January 12, 2021. Known for his restaurants including Pup-A-Go-Go in Aventura Mall, “Fast Ernie” was often found at the gin rummy table or fishing golf balls out of lakes at Turnberry Isle golf course. Ernie radiated warmth, generosity and a love of family and friends to all who had the honor of knowing him. Born in Cologne Germany in 1929, he and his family escaped Nazi internment by immigrating to New York in 1937. After graduating from Dewitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, Ernie brought his jump shot to Brandeis University, where his 1954 record-setting team was inducted into the Brandeis Hall of Fame. From 1954 to 1956, Ernie served in the US Army Military Intelligence Unit earning three medals and wrecking two Jeeps, but returning in one piece. He then moved to Pittsburgh where he established his roots after marrying Sunny Wheeler and beginning a love affair of the ages. Through their charity golf tournaments and generosity of their friends, Ernie and Sunny raised millions to open diabetes research laboratories in Pittsburgh hospitals. In the 1980’s they moved to Florida opening a whole new world of friendships and adventures. Ernie leaves behind his children Lauren and her husband Rick Adams, Caryn and her husband Dean Cirella,Todd and his wife Jana Helmrich and six grandchildren, Rylie Adams; Alex, Brad and Ben Cirella; and Maya and Sammy Helmrich. Ernie rejoins Sunny, the love of his life, who predeceased him by just 15 days. Graveside Service Friday, January 15, 2021 at 12:30pm at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood. Arrangements by Levitt-Weinstein Blasberg-Rubin-Zilbert Memorial Chapel (305) 932-2700