Reverend Patrick D. Healey
July 9, 2004
Reverend Patrick D. Healey, senior priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Scranton, died Friday at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia.
Born in Avoca on Nov. 16, 1926, son of the late Patrick F. and Theresa McCarthy Healey, he was a graduate of Avoca High School and attended the University of Scranton. His studies for the priesthood were completed at St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario, Canada. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1951, in Scranton, by the Most Rev. William J. Hafey, D.D., late bishop of Scranton.
Following ordination, Father Healey served as assistant pastor at St. Therese Church, Wilkes-Barre, followed by an appointment on Jan. 9, 1958, as assistant pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Scranton. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as assistant pastor at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Tunkhannock. After serving at Nativity for eight years, he became assistant pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, and subsequently at Sacred Heart of Mary Church, Jermyn.
Father Healey was appointed to his first pastorate on Sept. 3, 1969, at Our Lady of Victory Church, Harvey's Lake, where he served as founding pastor. Eleven years later, on Jan. 18, 1980, he was appointed pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church, Scranton, where he directed a major rebuilding program. Subsequent pastorates include St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Dickson City, beginning Feb. 12, 1981, and St. Patrick's Church, Wilkes-Barre, beginning almost 11 years later on Sept. 11, 1992. He was named as senior priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Scranton, on July 8, 1996, where he served until his death.
In addition to his pastoral appointments, Father Healey served in several special assignments, including chaplain of Mercy Hospital, Scranton. He was the first director of the subcommittee on migrant workers. Father Healey's service to the Ancient Order of Hibernians spanned decades. He served as chaplain of the AOH at the division, county and state levels, as well as deputy national chaplain of both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. In October 2002, he was appointed spiritual director for the Scranton Curia of the Legion of Mary, and most recently, he joined the Apostleship of the Sea.
Surviving are a sister, Mary Healey Lauten, Waterford, Va.; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph P. Healey; and two sisters, Margaret Healey Smith and Ann Healey, who died in infancy.
Friends may call Tuesday, 2 to 7 p.m. at St. Mary's Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca. A Vigil Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Avoca, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with Monsignor Dale R. Rupert, V.F., presiding.
A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, by the Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D., bishop of Scranton. Friends may also call Wednesday morning, prior to the 11 a.m. Mass. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca.