Robert T. Sr. Healey

1929 - 2021
Robert T. Healey, Sr. passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at the age of 92. Beloved husband of Ellen J. (nee Baldino), loving father to his seven children: Lizanne H. Jenkins (Thomas), Christine L. Healey, Caroline H. Adillon, L. Toland Sherriff (Robert), Robert T. Healey, Jr. (Bobbi), M. Alexis Iaccarino (Jonathan) and Leigh H. Hughes (Gabriel), and adored grandfather of his sixteen grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Louise L. (nee Lucas), and his two brothers, Patrick J. Healey and Edward J. Healey. He is survived by his brother William J. Healey, and many nieces and nephews. Born on St. Patrick's Day in Atlantic City to Patrick J. and Loretta Mabel Healey, Bob attended Camden Catholic High School, St. Joseph's University, and University of Pennsylvania where he obtained his law degree. After 25 years of a successful South Jersey trial and business law practice, Bob turned his focus to the Viking Yacht Company, which he owned with his brother Bill. Together they grew Viking into the #1 sportfishing yacht manufacturer in the U.S. As Viking's Chairman of the Board for 57 years, Bob diversified their financial interests into multi-family, industrial and commercial real estate, oil and gas exploration and development, and the financial management of the Healey family assets.

Bob received many awards for his achievements, including induction into the NJ Marine Trade Association Hall of Fame; the Rowan University Milestone Award; and nomination for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Most notably, Bob channeled his financial success into philanthropic interests, which included building schools in impoverished areas of Mexico, and providing housing, medical assistance, education, food and clean water to the people of war-torn Sierra Leone through the Healey International Relief Foundation.

A devout Catholic and product of Catholic school education, Bob brought his business skills to the challenges facing Catholic schools in the U.S. and formed the Healey Education Foundation and the Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden.

Finally, with his wife Ellen, Bob founded the Gleneayre Equestrian Program for at-risk youth. The program uses the powerful connection between horses and people to support learning, growth, and healing.

For his philanthropic efforts, Bob received the Lewis Katz Excellence in Education Award, the Beacon of Light Award, the Catholic Charities Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership, an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Scranton University, and the Shield of Loyola Award from St. Joseph's University.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday, December 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Healey Funeral Home, 9 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ, and Friday at 9:00 am at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 642 Market St., Camden, NJ, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Masks required. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested donations to charities supported by The Robert T Healey, Sr Charitable Trust, which include the Healey International Relief Foundation (https://hirf.net/), the Healey Education Foundation (healeyedfoundation.org), and the Gleneayre Equestrian Program (gepnj.org).