Geneva L. Healey

Healey - Geneva L., wife of the late Assemblyman Phillip B. Healey, passed away peacefully last week. She was born on March 31, 1926, in Bay Ridge, NY, to the late Geneva and Raphael Musalo.

She met her future husband, Phil Healey, during her first attempt at ice skating at Rockefeller Plaza. Off the ice, they proved to be great dance partners and shared the same enthusiastic optimism of those who survived a world war, a trait notable among those of the Greatest Generation. Marrying seven years later, they relocated to Massapequa, joining her parents, her best friend, and sister Betty, and eventually her brother, Richard, following his stint in the Korean War. Big brother, Raymond, merged with the brood each summer at his bungalow, conveniently located two blocks away from the iconic Biltmore Beach Club, which she and Betty took residency each summer.

Life in Massapequa proved eventful. Husband Phil launched his political career spanning over thirty years, serving first as Councilman for the Town of Oyster Bay before moving on to the State Assembly. She supported her husband unconditionally, was his closest counsel, and infused into her children great respect for public service and a sense of joy to be a part of the hurly burly of a political life. She was most proud that her children embraced public service in their adult lives. Daughter, Laurette, served as Deputy State Controller for the State of California; son, Phillip, serves as Public Works Commissioner for the Town of Lynbrook; and son, Ralph, serves as Deputy Attorney for the Town of Oyster Bay.

She is survived by her children, daughter Laurette Healey, son Phillip Healey Jr., and son Ralph Healey. Grandchildren, Corinne, Phillip Jr., Madeline, and James Healey. Nieces, Marianne Musalo-Kown, Angela Musalo-Hyland, Jennifer O'Connor, and MaryJane O'Connor. Nephews, Raymond Musalo, Ralph O'Connor, Richard Musalo, Edwin O'Connor, and Richard O'Connor. Grandnieces and nephews, Thomas Hyland, Cristina Kown, Mathew Hyland, Alexander Kown, Joan Willat, John O'Connor Jr., Ryan Musalo, Kathleen O'Connor, Nicole Musalo, Leigh Ann O'Connor, Andrew Musalo, Raymond Musalo Jr., Christopher Musalo, Mathew Musalo, Gavin O'Connor, Kristen Singer, Taylor O'Connor, Logan O'Connor, Jordan O'Connor, Sarah O'Connor, Richard O'Connor Jr., Madison O'Connor, Daniel O'Connor, and Jack O'Connor Jr.

Geneva was preceded by, parents Geneva and Raphael Musalo, husband Hon. Phillip B. Healey, brother Raymond Musalo, sister Beatrice O'Connor, nephew John O'Connor, and niece Gina Musalo.

The wake is on Friday, August 22, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Massapequa Funeral Home, 4980 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11762. Funeral Services at St. Rose of Lima Church at 9am, Saturday, August 23, with a burial service to follow at Old Grace Church Cemetery on Merrick Road.