HELMER “SONNY” STORMO
(December 10, 1933 – March 7, 2012)

Helmer C. Stormo Jr. died on March 7, 2012. Born to Helmer C. Stormo Sr. and Opal Stormo on Dec. 10, 1933 in Visalia, CA. Preceded in death by his wife, Hiroko Kai, who he married in Yokohama, Japan on January 9, 1959.  Hiroko died March 2, 1998.  They had 39 wonderful years together.

Helmer is survived by son Richard Stormo (Carol), daughter Alesia Henry, grandkids Stephanie and Chad Henry, Sarah and Alexander Stormo, brothers Donald Stormo (Millie), Harris Stormo (Donna), nieces, nephews, and many friends Hiroko and Sonny loved so much.

Sonny is especially appreciative of two dear friends, Richard Marasco, who became his closest friend and who helped so much in facing life after the loss of his wife Hiroko, and Patricia Pape, of Eugene Oregon, who helped him realize growing old does not mean you need to forget Life, but to enjoy life to the fullest as long as you can.

Sonny grew up in Reedley, CA going twice to the West Coast relays in Fresno, CA winning the 880 relay both years and setting new records each time.  He was also in the school band and played the Cornet and French Horn.  In 1949 the family moved to San Jose where he took 1st place in Tennis and set a High Jump record at Roosevelt Junior High School.  In 1950 Helmer attended San Jose High School, on the same campus that San Jose State Occupied. He received San Jose High letters in Football and Track.

He joined the US Navy at 17 after his sophmore year and retired as Chief Radioman after 23 years of service. He served on the USS Walke during the Korean War.  Helmer served on the USS Bauer, set up communications in Nha Ba and Saigon during the Vietnam War, and also served at various Stations throughout the Pacific and California, including Japan, Guam and Hawaii until returning to San Jose in 1974 after retiring from the Navy.  

Sonny then worked 12 years for Gill Cable TV Company.  While with Gill Cable he was one of five employees who started up Gill Management Services, a branch of Gill Industries. Helmer became the Data Center Manager of the San Jose Computer Center and was a member of the team who set up Computer Centers in Hawaii, California, Washington, Virginia,  Indiana and New Jersey.  He then worked 10 years. for Lockheed Martin as MCC Operations Supervisor (in the Blue Cube), retiring in 1996.

On March 13, 2012 visitation is 9-2pm and services at 2pm at Oak Hill Cemetery, San Jose