Helbert "Bay" Emilio Pesante

Helbert Emilio Pesante of Williamsburg, VA, formerly a resident of Queens, New York, went on his journey to sing Heavenly Doo Wopps on March 14, 2023. Helbert, lovingly known as "Bay," was born to the late Damiana Pesante-Rivera and Emilio Pesante on October 11, 1947; and grew up in Washington Heights, New York.

Bay attended Samuel Gompers High School and later went on to trade school in the Bronx, where he learned electronics repair, a trade he carried on in life.

Bay served his city with honor as a New York City Transit employee and retired in 2014. Second to his family, Bay loved singing Doo Wopp music. He sang Bass with The Denotations, The Durations, The Creations, The Chessmen, The Jesters, and many more. Bay was also a professional performer, performing on radio shows and many venues, including the Apollo, and he recorded several songs.  

Bay dedicated his Life to Jesus on September 12th, 2021, at the Williamsburg Assembly of God Church. Bay’s church family, led by Pastor Ian O’Brien, has been a huge support to him during his declining health. 

Bay was predeceased by his sisters, Livia Pesante, Nellie Melendez, and Judith Bonilla; brothers, Sonny Pesante and Robert Pesante; stepfather, Thomas Rivera; stepmother, America Pesante; and three nephews. 

His fond memories will forever be cherished by his brother, Charlie Pesante (Cindy); sister, Talita Swann (Chef Ed); brother-in-law, Rey Bonilla; sister-in-law, Lois Pesante; twenty-four nieces and nephews; fifty-eight grandnieces and grandnephews; twenty-four great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews; and three great-great-grandnieces. Though he never had children, he loved all his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at Williamsburg Assembly of God Church with Pastor Ian O’Brien officiating. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in Williamsburg Memorial Park. Mr. Pesante may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home, with a wake beginning at 5:45 p.m.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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