RICHMONDVILLE - Helmuth Alfred Golda, 74, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown.

He was born on March 16, 1938, in Brno, Moravia, Czechoslovakia, the son of Franz and Hilde (Jarmer) Golda.

Helmuth married Lois A. Griffin on September 15, 1970, at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church in Manhattan.

He trained as an optical engineer in Munich and invented microsurgical equipment as co-owner of J.K. Hoppl Corp. in Long Island. That company was later sold to Bristol-Meyers, Squibb.

Helmuth moved to Richmondville from Gilgo Beach, Long Island, 15 years ago. In his retirement, he applied his metalworking skills to wood, crafting beautiful household pieces for friends and family. His generosity, love of the outdoors, and spirit of adventure will be remembered by many.

Helmuth is survived by his wife, Lois; brother-in-law, John Griffin; sisters-in-law, Mary Griffin and Ann Griffin, many nieces and nephews, and family in Germany and Austria.

He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Heinz and sister, Helmtraud.

A Funeral Mass will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, at St. Joseph's Church, Main Street in Worcester with the Rev. Ronald Green, MM as celebrant.

Calling hours will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at 12:00 p.m. at the church.

Burial will take place at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Worcester at a later date.

Due to Lent, the family wishes no flowers to be sent.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Helmuth to St. Joseph's Church, 181 Main Street, Worcester, NY 12197, or to SUNY Downstate, Attn. Dr. Joanne Bradley, 450 Clarkson Ave., Box, 93, Brooklyn, NY 11203, Checks payable to: Health Science Center at Brooklyn; Memo: Ophthalmology Laser Account.

Du bist nicht fort; du bist nur fern.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.

The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester is assisting the family.