Helen Hrobak, originally of the village of Acmetonia in Harmar Township, PA passed away peacefully in the morning of May 18, 2026 at the Hunt Community Home in Nashua, NH. Helen, the daughter of the late John and Suzanne (Lucas) Kerestan was born at home on April 17, 1932, and raised on her family’s farm in the heavily coal-mining town of Russellton, PA, about 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh. 

After attending West Deer High School near her home, she met, fell in love and in 1953 married Frank Hrobak, also of Russellton. Frank, a Purple Heart recipient, had returned not long before from the Korean War.  After marriage, their son (and only child) Frank Jr. soon came along.  The family settled in Cheswick, PA then Acmetonia in the 1950’s and 1960’s and onward.

Helen lived through the Depression and World War II.  And was representative of the devotion given to family, faith and patriotism that her generation, the Greatest Generation, clearly defined for the rest of us. 

She loved her life and her family and her Eastern European heritage and culture.  To say she knew how to polka would be an understatement, elegance on the dancefloor. She was a great cook, Polish, Czech, Slovak recipes and beyond.  And a good friend to so many.  A consummate bingo enthusiast. Most of all, she treasured her family-husband, son and her extended family to whom she was close.  She will be greatly missed. Praying that we will meet again.  And with that, that the joyous era of her life will again be celebrated in Heaven by all who knew her and all who may get to know her in God’s Holy Kingdom.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Frank in 2007 and will be interred by his side at Deer Creek Cemetery, Harwick, PA.  She was predeceased by her sister, Mary and numerous brothers. She is survived by her brother, Steve Kerestan of Troy New York.  In addition to her son, Frank and his wife, Ann of Nashua, NH, Helen is survived by three grandchildren and their spouses and their children: Amy Hrobak and Caleb Englander and their son, Max of Arlington, MA; Sara and Chris Suarez of Wappingers Falls, NY and their daughters, Evelyn and Cassidy; and Daniel and Lara Hrobak of Merrimack, NH; as well as several nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

Following Helen’s funeral Mass and interment service, she was laid to rest in Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Township, PA on May 28, 2026 next to her husband, Frank. May she rest in peace. Donations are requested to Center for Dementia Research (https://www.cdr.rfmh.org)