Father John J Healy

Father Healy died peacefully on April 18, 2014, at 10:50 p.m. at Sequoia Springs Care Home in Fortuna. Some parishioners were at his bedside reciting the rosary as he took his last breath.

Father Healy was born on April 13, 1917, in Strabane, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland. After he completed his elementary school education he attended St. Colum’s College, Derry, Northern Ireland, for his high school education.

In 1935 he entered All Hallows Seminary in Dublin, Ireland, to study for the Priesthood. On June 22, 1941, Father Healy was ordained to the Priesthood for ministry in the Diocese of Sacramento, California. Due to World War II no civilian travel was permitted to the United States so Father Healy was sent to minister in the Diocese of Salford, England, where he remained until April, 1943. In May, 1943, Father sailed to the United States of America on a U. S. Army ship and made his way by train from New York City to Sacramento.

His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at Immaculate Conception parish, Sacramento, from June 1943 to January 1947 and his second assignment was as an assistant pastor at All Hallows parish, Sacramento until January 1949. In January 1949 he was made pastor of Sacred Heart parish, Fort Jones, where he remained until May 1952. He was then assigned as pastor of St. Patrick, Scotia, where he served for twenty two years. In July 1974, he was named Pastor of Our Lady of the Redwoods, Garberville, and ministered there until his retirement on October 18, 1994. Since his retirement he has resided in Fortuna, California.

Father Healy was a quiet, reserved person who was dedicated to his priestly duties and serving his parishioners. He had a gentle smile and a good sense of humor. He would say “I cannot believe I have lived this long.” To those who visited and cared for him in his retirement he was indeed grateful. The doctors, nurses and staff at Redwood Memorial Hospital were very attentive to him as was the staff at Sequoia Springs Care Home, both in Fortuna.

Father Healy celebrated his 97th birthday on April 13, 2014 and on June 22nd he would have been a priest for seventy three years. All are grateful for Father Healy’s priestly ministry in the Dioceses of Sacramento and Santa Rosa. As he finds rest from his labors, may his works accompany him. May he rest in peace.

A Rosary service will be held for Father Healy on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 14th and N Street, Fortuna, CA. With a Funeral Mass to be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. also at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Committal service will be at Rohnerville Catholic Cemetery, Rohnerville Road, Fortuna, CA

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