Heldmann, Joseph G., 72, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2009 in Tulsa, OK. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in West Hartford, CT. He and his family lived in Tulsa for the last 38 years. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of CT in 1958. After 10 years in the defense industry, Joe joined IBM at their semiconductor lab in Essex Junction, VT. He later entered IBM Sales and retired from IBM in 1992. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and also a member of the Tulsa Master Gardeners. Joe is survived by Judy, his wife of 50 years: his son Joseph Jr. of Tulsa, his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Mike Dimond of Edmond, OK; his daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Mike Nelson of Tulsa, and his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Elizabeth of Seattle, Washington; six grandchildren, Joseph III, Bradley, Katie, Sarah, John, and Nicholas; 5 brothers and sisters, Mary Hickey, George Helmann, Fran Beckerman, Joan Dooley, and Jim Heldmann; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins in New England. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Helmann. In retirement, Joe enjoyed spending his time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and gardening and volunteering with his wife. In his final days, Joe repeatedly said he considered himself the luckiest person in the world to be blessed with four wonderful children, six loving grandchildren and a wife whose care was beyond anything he deserved. For those who wish to make memorial donations, the family suggests Up With Trees, 9920 E. 44th Place, Tulsa, OK 74146. Services will be 1:00pm, Thursday, October 8, 2009 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500