Photo courtesy of B.W. Foster Funeral Home - Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Virginia
Aug 14, 1939 – Nov 23, 2019 (Age 80)
PORTSMOUTH—Thomas L. Healey, Sr., “Tom,” of Portsmouth, VA, died November 23, 2019, at the age of 80. He is predeceased by his parents, Donald W. and Helen McGlynn Healey, and siblings Donald Healey, Jr., Patrick Healey, and Rose Marie Sorger.
Tom enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital. He was a news photographer for 40 years, retiring from WTKR in 2001.
Tom was an active member of Church of the Resurrection; a volunteer at Oasis Social Ministry; a member of Senior Friendship Bowling League and South of the James Seniors Golfing.
Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Trudy; his son, Tom Healey, Jr. (Robin); daughter, Susan Schmidt (Jerry); grandsons Kelley Healey (Jessica) and Bryce Healey; granddaughters Meghan Schmidt and Lauren Schmidt; great-grandson, Killian Healey; his sister, Roberta Troutt (Wayne); brother James Healey (Ellen); brother-in-law Cliff Frohn (Beth); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Kevin Wilson and Dr. Dae Chough for their loving care of Tom throughout the years; to Loretta Massenburg, companion; and to the staff of Maryview Nursing Care and Bon Secours Hospice for the care they provided to Tom in the final days of his life.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, at Church of the Resurrection, 3501 Cedar Ln., Portsmouth. There will be a one-hour visitation prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Oasis Social Ministry or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.
Read MoreTrudy & family: I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Healey's passing. I am also very sorry that I wasn't able to attend his service. He was a wonderful & funny man. He will be truly missed.
Much Love, Patsy & Butch Willoughby
December 04, 2019
I was saddened by the passing of an old and cherished friend and colleague. We traveled many miles together and Tom made every moment enjoyable. He was the ultimate professional, and a kind and generous man. I know God will bless Trudy and the family during this time of loss.
Charles Hartig
December 03, 2019 | Smithfield, VA
Tom was a friend and mentor to many a photographer. At news conferences he always set up a beautiful three-point lighting. A gift to those of us with only two lights.My condolences.
Doug Sesny
Doug Sesny
December 02, 2019 | Hampton, VA | Friend
Tom in WTKR News Footage Archives
My friend Tom used a news camera and edited news footage with unswerving integrity. Condolences to his family.
Irene Copeland Upshur
November 30, 2019
Tom was a good friend first, and one of the best shooters I ever worked with during our years at TAR. I am so sorry to hear he's gone, and sorry I won't be at his funeral, as I have a minor surgery I must undergo tomorrow and no way I can postpone it. I'm sure there'll be a big TAR gang there and maybe some folks from 10 & 13; many were among his friends. Please pass my regards to all.
Bruce Barry Higginbotham
November 30, 2019 | Virginia Beach, VA | Coworker
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ann Reilly
November 27, 2019 | Portsmouth, VA
My sympathy to Toms family. I had not seen him his days at WTKR.
May he Rest In Peace.
Bernie Kirsch
November 26, 2019 | Virginia Beach, VA