Stephen Joseph Hellebusch

Stephen Joseph Hellebusch, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed from this life on February 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on January 23, 1949, Stephen has been described as a gentle and generous soul with an unparalleled positive outlook who brought joy to all around him.

Stephen is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Juliana Mattei Hellebusch; his three children, Louis (Meredith), Laura (Terry) Adkins, and Joseph (Yuka); and five adored grandchildren, Hayes, Alice, Diana, Wells, and Megumi. He also leaves behind his brother, Jim (Ann), cousin, Jay Driscoll, along with many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He was preceded by his parents, Louis F. and Ida (Belding) Hellebusch.

Stephen began his career in Marketing Research at Burke in Cincinnati, Ohio. His work brought him much joy and fulfillment. He loved working with data to uncover insights and help companies launch incredibly successful marketing campaigns, such as the work he did on Mucinex. He particularly enjoyed assisting companies in bringing pharmaceutical products from prescription to over-the-counter status, such as the work he did on Rogaine and Nicorette.

Stephen was always proud of his co-founded company, Q2 Marketing Research, and later his solo firm, Hellebusch Research and Consulting. Stephen published numerous articles and two books. He was a mentor to many young business professionals, some of whom now hold positions at major companies like Amazon and Humana.

Outside of his professional achievements, Stephen's personal life was rich with interests and hobbies. He was a faithful Christian and devout Catholic and was passionate about his faith. A parishioner at Christ the King in Dallas, he attended mass weekly and volunteered his time with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in addition to his strong support of other Catholic and Christian Ministries. An avid Notre Dame football fan, he talked fondly about his four years in South Bend, earning his PhD in Experimental Psychology after graduating from Thomas Moore College, Covington Catholic High School, and Blessed Sacrament grade school. He enjoyed collecting and reading books – especially anything related to Winston Churchill. He also enjoyed traveling, collecting comic books, and watching mystery shows and cartoons (especially superheroes, science fiction, and anime). Stephen had a strong interest in astronomy and was a member of the Board of Visitors of McDonald Observatory. He enjoyed trips to the western part of Texas to admire the stars. 

Above all, he found great joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren and sharing these interests and passions with them.Stephen gave generously of his time, talent, and treasures to many worthy causes. He was widely recognized for his kindness, compassion, and positivity. He will be missed dearly by all who love him. And, he would want everyone who knew him to “live long and prosper.”

Services to honor and celebrate Stephen’s life will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky on Friday, February 14, 2025, Visitation from 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Saint Vincent de Paul associated with Christ the King Parish in Dallas (see the “Donate” section at the bottom of the website) and/or CISE (Catholic Inner-City Schools Education).