Rev. Patrick D. Healey

July 9, 2004
Rev. Patrick D. Healey, senior priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Scranton, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 9, 2004 at Hahnemann University Hospital, Philadelphia.
Father Healey, son of the late Patrick F. and Theresa McCarthy Healey, was born in Avoca on Nov. 16, 1926. He was a graduate of Avoca High School and attended the University of Scranton. His studies for the priesthood were completed at St. Peter's Seminary, London, Ontario, Canada. Father Healey was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1951, in Scranton, by the Most Rev. William J. Hafey, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.
Following ordination, Father Healey served as assistant pastor at St. Therese Church, Wilkes-Barre, followed by an appointment on Jan. 9, 1958, as assistant pastor at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Scranton. Shortly thereafter, Father was appointed as assistant pastor at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Tunkhannock. After serving at Nativity for eight years, Father became assistant pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston and subsequently at Sacred Heart of Mary Church, Jermyn.
Father Healey was appointed to his first pastorate on Sept. 3, 1969, at Our Lady of Victory Church, Harveys Lake, where he served as founding pastor. Eleven years later, on Jan. 18, 1980, Father was appointed pastor at St. John the Evangelist Church, Scranton, where he directed a major rebuilding program. Subsequent pastorates include St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Dickson City, beginning Feb. 12, 1981 and St. Patrick's Church, Wilkes-Barre, beginning Sept. 11, 1992. Father was named as senior priest at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Scranton, on July 8, 1996, where he served until his death.
In addition to his pastoral appointments, Father Healey served in several special assignments, including chaplain of Mercy Hospital, Scranton. He was the first director of the Sub-Committee on Migrant Workers. Father Healey's service to the Ancient Order of Hibernians spanned decades. He served as chaplain of both the AOH at the division, county and state levels, as well as Deputy National Chaplain of both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. In October 2002, Father was appointed spiritual director for the Scranton Curia of the Legion of Mary, and most recently, Father joined the Apostleship of the Sea.
Father Healey is survived by a sister, Mary Healey Lauten, Waterford, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph P. Healey; and two sisters, Margaret Healey Smith and Ann Healey, who died in infancy.
The viewing will take place at St. Mary's Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, on Tuesday, July 13, 2004, from 2 to 7 p.m. A vigil Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Avoca, at 7 p.m., with Monsignor Dale R. Rupert, V.F., presiding.
A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D. Hist. E.D., Bishop of Scranton, on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca. The viewing will also take place Wednesday morning, prior to the 11 a.m. funeral Mass. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Avoca.