Fr. Cletus J. Healy S.J.

1917 - 2014

Healy, Fr. Cletus J., S.J. Was called to eternal life on April 7, 2014, at St. Camillus, in Wauwatosa, at the age of 96. A Jesuit for 75 years, and a priest for 62 years. Born in Newton, Iowa on October 26, 1917, Cletus attended grade school and high school in Newton. He entered the Society at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Missouri on September 1, 1938 and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 14, 1951. Fr. Healy's ministry after ordination was concentrated in Milwaukee. He taught sociology and religion at Marquette High from 1953 to 1968. Then he remained a member of the Marquette High Jesuit Community for another 24 years - until 1992, when he helped inaugurate the St. Camillus Jesuit Community. During this latter period of his life, Cletus was involved in editing and/or promoting various Catholic publications (Twin Circle, Vatican Voices, etc.) and founded the Milwaukee-area Catholic Book and Gift Shop. All his life, even in his years of declining health and energies at St. Camillus, he attracted large numbers of devoted friends to whom he ministered with gentleness and compassion. He was a peaceful, prayerful man, respected and loved by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at Gesu Church, Milwaukee (1145 W. Wisconsin Ave) on Friday, April 11, from 5:30 PM until the Rosary at 6 PM, followed by a 7 PM Mass of Christian Burial. Committal services, 9 AM Saturday, April 12, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery Chapel, Milwaukee. Memorials to the Jesuit Partnership appreciated.