J. William "Bill" Healy M.D.

1929 - 2021

Niantic - J. William "Bill" Healy, M.D., died peacefully July 12, 2021, at his Niantic home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Hartford, Aug. 10, 1929, the son of James T. Healy and Geraldyne Walsh Healy.

Bill was a graduate of the Kingswood School (1948) where he excelled in academics and multiple sports. He graduated also from Yale University having lettered in baseball. He then graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine (1955). Bill completed his residency at Yale School of Medicine specializing in neurology followed by a fellowship in neurochemistry at New England Medical Center in Boston. During his research at NEMC, he discovered an enzyme that breaks up one of the major controls of cell metabolism. He presented a paper on his discovery to the American Academy of Neurology. He started his career at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. Soon thereafter, Dr. Healy was chosen to head the Neurology Department at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.

After several years, Bill returned to his hometown of West Hartford, and started his own private practice which eventually grew to five neurologists at 1000 Asylum Avenue, affiliated with St. Francis Hospital. Dr. Healy was highly respected by his colleagues.

Bill married Nancy Slavin 55 years ago. Together they had four marvelous children. The family lived on Sunny Reach Drive in West Hartford, before moving permanently to their Shore home in Crescent Beach, Niantic. In time, twelve grandchildren were added to the family. He adored his family and was always interested in their lives and especially their accomplishments.

Sailboat racing was his passion. Bill started sailing at age ten and only stopped in his early eighties. He had an illustrious sailing career. His skill and quiet, competitive nature led to multiple regatta wins. His last boat, SIRPRIZE, was a Sirina 38 which he co-owned with his dear friend, Dave Peterson. They were a formidable racing team. The commodore of Niantic Bay Yacht Club recently wrote to the membership of NBYC, "Dr. William Healy, a mainstay at NBYC, a member since the 1940s, a champion in 505s, lightnings and cruising classes, a contributor to the NBYC board and rear commodore for five years, was a great man and friend."

In his later years, Bill loved sitting on his porch overlooking Niantic Bay and watching his family members racing in the bay.

Bill was predeceased by his parents; his sister Maureen Landry; and his brother James Healy.

In addition to his wife, Nancy Slavin Healy; and his children, Nancy Healy Harrington (Steve Bosco), Cathy Healy Guanci (Matt Guanci), Bill Healy (Laura), and Tim Healy (Samantha), he is also survived also by his grandchildren: Catherine, Timothy and Christina Guanci; Lauren, Nancy and Daniel Harrington; Caroline, Kristen, Meredith and Sarah Healy; and Tim and Nathaniel Healy. Bill also leaves his sister Sharon Healy of Niantic; and his nieces and nephew: Jody Landry, Arthur Landry, James Landry, Maura Landry and Mark Healy.

A private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Agnes Church, followed by private burial in Union Cemetery, Niantic. There were no calling hours. Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington Street, New London, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please do not send flowers and instead make a contribution to Niantic Bay Sailing Academy, Shore Road, Niantic, CT 06357. Please visit www.Byles.com to sign the guestbook or to share a memory.