Obituary for Richard T. Healy
Richard T. Healy, age 90, passed away peacefully at Litchfield Woods Health Care Center in Torrington on October 1, 2021 with members of his family with him. He was the beloved husband of Janet R. Healy for 68 years.
Richard was born in Winsted, Connecticut, the son of Dorothy and John Healy. While growing up he spent a lot of his time with his aunt and uncle, Rocelia and Clarence Atkins and a special gentleman, “Uncle” George Sawyer. He grew up in East Litchfield on the family farm next door to Janet’s family home and across the street from his lifelong friend Donald Iffland.
Richard attended Litchfield Schools, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State College and completed graduate work at the University of Hartford. He served two years in the military and upon his discharge completed college and began teaching at the Gilbert School in Winsted as a history teacher, guidance counselor and vice principal for more than 20 years. He then went on to serve as the vice principle at Schaghticoke School in New Milford until his retirement in 1990.
While teaching and upon the death of his Uncle Clarence, he learned how to make candy and he helped his aunt run the Atkin’s Kandy Kitchen. The process of learning the art of candy making led to many interesting experiments and good stories but in the end he got the knack of it thanks to a lot of good friends, family help and patience.
After retirement from education he went to work as a fire marshal and building inspector working at different times in Litchfield, Norfolk and Barkhamsted.
Richard was an active person who gave of his time to family, friends and community. He was a member of the East Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department, serving as president, was a Commissioner on the Litchfield Park and Recreation Commission, a member of the Litchfield Grange, the Litchfield Methodist Church, the Winsted Kiwanis, coached Little League baseball, and staffed the Information Booth on the Litchfield Green.
In addition to work and volunteering, Richard had many hobbies and interests. He was a connoisseur of coffee and peanut butter, enjoyed history, politics, rooting for the Red Sox, attending minor league baseball games, camping with his family and friends, traveling, reading and maybe most of all working on the home he and Janet built and shared for 54 years.
Besides his wife, he leaves behind three children, Jack and his wife Joann Healy, Holly and her husband Frank Zemak and Rachel and her husband Frank Bourquin. He also leaves four granddaughters, Linnea, Jennifer, Faith and Brooke and his sister Kay Beeman. He is predeceased by a son, Thomas.
Donations may be sent to the East Litchfield Volunteer Fire Company, 365 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT 06759.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on October 16, 2021 at the Masonic Hall, Meadow Street, Litchfield, CT. A reception will follow at the East Litchfield Fire House.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Richard was born in Winsted, Connecticut, the son of Dorothy and John Healy. While growing up he spent a lot of his time with his aunt and uncle, Rocelia and Clarence Atkins and a special gentleman, “Uncle” George Sawyer. He grew up in East Litchfield on the family farm next door to Janet’s family home and across the street from his lifelong friend Donald Iffland.
Richard attended Litchfield Schools, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State College and completed graduate work at the University of Hartford. He served two years in the military and upon his discharge completed college and began teaching at the Gilbert School in Winsted as a history teacher, guidance counselor and vice principal for more than 20 years. He then went on to serve as the vice principle at Schaghticoke School in New Milford until his retirement in 1990.
While teaching and upon the death of his Uncle Clarence, he learned how to make candy and he helped his aunt run the Atkin’s Kandy Kitchen. The process of learning the art of candy making led to many interesting experiments and good stories but in the end he got the knack of it thanks to a lot of good friends, family help and patience.
After retirement from education he went to work as a fire marshal and building inspector working at different times in Litchfield, Norfolk and Barkhamsted.
Richard was an active person who gave of his time to family, friends and community. He was a member of the East Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department, serving as president, was a Commissioner on the Litchfield Park and Recreation Commission, a member of the Litchfield Grange, the Litchfield Methodist Church, the Winsted Kiwanis, coached Little League baseball, and staffed the Information Booth on the Litchfield Green.
In addition to work and volunteering, Richard had many hobbies and interests. He was a connoisseur of coffee and peanut butter, enjoyed history, politics, rooting for the Red Sox, attending minor league baseball games, camping with his family and friends, traveling, reading and maybe most of all working on the home he and Janet built and shared for 54 years.
Besides his wife, he leaves behind three children, Jack and his wife Joann Healy, Holly and her husband Frank Zemak and Rachel and her husband Frank Bourquin. He also leaves four granddaughters, Linnea, Jennifer, Faith and Brooke and his sister Kay Beeman. He is predeceased by a son, Thomas.
Donations may be sent to the East Litchfield Volunteer Fire Company, 365 East Litchfield Road, Litchfield, CT 06759.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 AM on October 16, 2021 at the Masonic Hall, Meadow Street, Litchfield, CT. A reception will follow at the East Litchfield Fire House.
Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.