Michael Stephen Healy

Michael Stephen Healy passed away peacefully at his Pearl River home on June 20, 2024. Steve was born on January 12,1936 in Kilbrean, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland.  Steve grew up with 5  siblings on a farm. His father, Michael died when he was two, and his mother, Catherine, raised the family on her own. He attended the local Tiernaboul school, and St. Brendan’s College (the Sem). He enjoyed rowing and playing Gaelic football for his local clubs. Steve moved to London, England in 1954 where he worked in a tyre factory.  In 1956, he immigrated to Chicago, and served in the US Army, gaining US citizenship.  Steve later made his way to NYC in 1957 where he met his best friend, Connie O’Sullivan. Connie introduced Steve to his wife of 61 years on a blind date - ironic because they both hailed from Killarney! In June of 1966, Connie & Steve opened their first of several travel agencies. 

After residing in the Bronx for a few years, like many immigrant stories preceding them, Steve and Anne moved to the suburb of Pearl River, NY (“still the town of friendly people”) in October of 1966, and raised 4 children together.  As time passed, Steve and Anne became active members of the Kerrymen’s  Association, the AOH, the Rockland Gaelic Football Club, the Irish Travel Agents  Association, and St. Margaret’s Church, among other groups.   

After retiring, Steve was diagnosed with diabetes, but he never let it get the best of him.  He enjoyed frequent walks with his daughters, Colleen and Tara, and he loved to spend time in the serenity of Wainscott, NY.  He was notorious for having his reluctant sons, nephews, and any unsuspecting person with a pulse to help him with “small projects” that frequently matriculated into weekend-long work tours.  He adored his Yorkshire terrier, “Pepper,” who quickly ascended the pecking order within the household.  Steve also loved returning home to his beloved Killarney to see his various Spillane and Healy relatives - that is where he was truly happiest!  He was always very proud of his Irish heritage, frequently citing obscure Irish actors and artists in conversations. 

Steve lived a simple life and was a benevolent, kind, and empathetic person by nature. He didn’t strive to obtain material things.  Later in life, he went to church almost every day.  He read the Bible regularly, and tried, like many of us, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.  One of his hallmarks was his generosity to others - his acts of kindness were numerous and he never spoke a word about them. Steve put others first and he was always there for anyone in need. 

So, despite our profound sadness, we celebrate Steve’s life and legacy, one that was abundant, compassionate, and touched so many people in so many loving ways. His gentle soul will always shine upon us giving us strength and comfort. 

Steve is survived by his wife Anne (nee Carbery), children Sean (Liz), Liam (Rose), and Colleen, siblings Mary Spillane and John Joe Healy, eleven grandchildren, Conor  Healy (Cassidy), Caitlin Hahn (Scott), Sean Healy Jr., Liam R. Healy, Aidan Healy, Maeve Healy, Shane Healy, Quinn Healy, Ryan Ward, Ronan Healy, Orlagh Ward, and great-granddaughter Nora Hahn.  He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Tara Kenny (Niall), his parents Michael and Catherine, his brothers Donal and Paddy, and sisters Catherine and Anne (“Auntie”).

In lieu of flowers, Steve would have preferred a donation to a charity of your choice, or the LIFT Foundation (he was a supporter of this), if so inclined. https://liftusa.org/

The Mass of Christian Burial may viewed at the following Link.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVmhYFt4msjrK1rC-Up0m9Q?view_as=subscriber