Thomas John Healy

Thomas John "Tom" Healy, 100 years old, of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Cinnaminson and Cranford, New Jersey, passed away on February 26, 2026. In his final weeks, he was surrounded by the love and presence of his children.

Born in Elizabeth, NJ, on July 21, 1925, to Irish immigrants, Tom was the oldest of five. He outlived his half-brother, half-sister, three sisters and brother.

In his youth, Tom was very active and an outstanding basketball player, nicknamed "Ace." In 1943, at age 18, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and serving as Staff Sergeant was just hours away from deployment to the Pacific when Japan surrendered. Using the GI Bill, he earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering, now known as New Jersey Institute of Technology..

In 1954, Tom married Rita Murphy, whom he met at a local dance. They settled in Cranford, NJ, where he used his talents to expand their house (and install a self-made garage-door opener — rare for residences then— crafted from a washing machine motor). A life-long inventor and builder, he crafted numerous engineering solutions at work and at home. A few of Tom's ideas were patented. While living in Cranford with their five children, he worked full-time at Public Service Electric & Gas and, for a decade, taught night classes in engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

In 1966, a promotion relocated the family to Cinnaminson, NJ, where they lived for more than 30 years. Tom was very involved raising his children and active in his community, volunteering and serving as the local Planning Board president for many years. In his "free" time, among his many projects and tinkering, he built a screened-in clubhouse elevated on four telephone poles with electricity, and a retractable ladder for his children.

Tom enjoyed the card game Bridge, tennis (until age 97), golf, and poker (until age 98), and live music. Since he knew the words to most songs of his time, piano-bar singers would stand near him so he could feed them the lyrics.

Following friends, Tom and Rita moved to Florida in 2003. They were married for 69 years until Rita's 2024 passing at age 92.

Tom was able to live independently until his death, thankful for his son's support. He attributed his longevity to "everything in moderation," and great sleep. His family would say his patience, sharp intellect, ready wit and tennis were the keys to his long life.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita; his son-in-law, Larry Vaught; and his siblings. He is survived by his five children, Rita, John, Karen, Joan (Bob Bisciotti), and Tricia (Joe Sander); his 11 grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family is thankful to VITAS Hospice for caring for him in his final days. Tom will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.