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John J. Healy Jr., 96, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025 in Marlborough, MA surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Patricia I. (Byrne) Healy, his adoring wife of 72 years.
John “Jack” Healy Jr. was born in Somerville MA, the son of the late John J. Healy Sr. and the late Dorothy (Cahill) Healy. He attended Framingham High School prior to enlisting in the US Navy. John served from 1948-1952 primarily on the USS Des Moines (CA-134) as a boatswain during the Korean conflict. He met his future wife, Patricia, through friends. They exchanged letters while he was overseas, marrying upon his return in 1952 in Natick, MA to start a family together.
John was employed for many years at the Sealtest Ice Cream plant in Framingham MA, first as a shop steward then as a supervisor. Upon retirement, he owned & operated, along with his wife, Patty Jacks Coffee Shop in Woonsocket RI. They enjoyed working together, traveling, family events and gatherings, and he was especially proud of his grandchildren’s accomplishments.
John was an avid candlepin bowler, bowling instructor, and managed and participated in several leagues and tournaments. He also wrote a weekly column in the former Framingham News entitled “Candlepin Corner.”
Prior to residing in Marlborough MA, he had lived in Franklin, Bellingham, and Framingham, MA. He was a proud member of the Bellingham VFW and a volunteer and communicant of St. Blaise Church in Bellingham MA.
He is survived by his beloved wife; 6 children: Deborah Hicklen and her husband Steven Hicklen of Blackstone MA, MaryEllen Cox and her husband Theodore Cox of Milford MA, John Healy III and his wife Janice of Worcester MA, Catherine Croteau and her husband Thomas Croteau of Franklin MA, Patricia Palmer of Mashpee MA, and Michael Healy and his wife Catherine Finneran of Wayland MA; his 11 grandchildren: Jason and his wife, Kristen Hicklen, Jeremy Hicklen and his fiancé Amy St. Jean, Theodore “Teddy” Cox, Shauna Healy, John J. Healy IV, Kelly Croteau, Samantha Croteau, Patrick, and his wife, Vanessa Croteau, Meghan Palmer, Amanda Palmer and Luke Palmer; his 7 great grandchildren: Natalie, Veda, Ireland, Olivia, Emma, Mack and Finn; his sister: Mary Lou DiGiando and her husband Dennis DiGiando of Milford MA; also 7 cherished nieces & nephews.
John was the brother of the late Dorothy Seufert and her late husband Fred Seufert; and the father-in-law of the late John W. Palmer.
His funeral will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA.
A visiting hour will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 NOON at St. Mary of the Assumption Church (LOWER CHURCH), 19 Winter Street, Milford MA. Burial, with Military Honors, will follow in Vernon Grove Cemetery, Vernon Street, Milford MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in loving memory of his devoted son-in-law, John W. Palmer, to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.
