In Memory of James P. Healy

Naugatuck, CT - On June 6, 2019, James P. Healy’s wife and children invited family and friends to celebrate and share memories of Jim's incredible life and legacy Thursday at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home; all other services were private. Copies of this moving tribute written by his wife Debra were distributed at this celebration of the beloved Andrew Avenue School custodian.

"If you knew Jim Healy, you knew he was not into word flourishes. If you know me, I’m always looking for the meaningful saying. In my search to find a quote that totally encompasses Jim, I could not find a single saying that captured his essence. Therefore, there are no words that could measure up to honor his true character.

Jim was a simple man that found joy in life’s intangibles. Material possessions meant little to him - his wife, children, and grandchildren were his treasures. He was born a wise man understanding human nature better than most with doctorate degrees. He had the gift of being able to read people as well as the gift of looking at situations with an open mind. He changed the way people he met perceived the world around them by his actions which were never done in duplicity or for personal accolades. His actions were always simple and from the heart which became priceless gifts to all of us. He tolerated negativity towards him but would never tolerate it against others. He watched out for those who could not watch out for themselves but always with a firm hand.

In the past year though our sorrow was unbearable, he expressed happiness with his life. He encouraged me to look at the good and to take comfort that we experienced so much good in our lives - something others may never have. He even believed we got an extra amount of good.

Today I stand in awe of a simple man who left us with incredible gifts. I ask Jim to hold us in the warn strength of his arms forever."

Debra

On the reverse side of the half-sheet handout, below a photo of Mr. Healy, were the lyrics to the song “Millionaire” by Chris Stapleton.

“Millionaire” by Chris Stapeton
They say "Love is more precious than gold"
Can't be bought and it can't be sold
I got love enough to spare
That makes me a millionaire
I got a woman with eyes that shine
Down deep as a diamond mine
She's my treasure so very rare
She's made me a millionaire
When we ride around, ride around this old town
In the beat-up car, with the windows down
People look at her and they look at me
And say "That boy is sure living in luxury"
Sweet luxury
'Cause love is more precious than gold
It can't be bought, no, never could be sold
I got love enough to share
That makes me a millionaire
When the kisses fall from everywhere
Life reaches on, millionaire
When the pocket's are empty and the cupboard is bare
I still feel like a millionaire
'Cause love is more precious than gold
It can't be bought, no, and it can't be sold
I got love enough to spare
That makes me a millionaire

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family asks that donations in his memory be made to The James P. and Debra Fitzgerald Healy Foundation, a scholarship foundation established in 2010 by his ten children as a gift of gratitude to their parents. Donations may be made online at healyfoundation.org or sent to P. O. Box 844, Naugatuck, CT 06770.

James and Debra have selflessly dedicated the last thirty years of their lives to educating their children. With an incredible appreciation for education, they firmly believe that the solid foundation of a quality education should be the legacy they leave to their children. Without the benefit of college educations themselves, both are determined to do everything within their abilities to provide their sons and daughters with the gift of excellent educations: a gift their children will forever possess and a gift which Jim and Debra envision will manifest itself for the good of others.

Their vision would not be easily accomplished, but Jim and Debra have never lost focus. As a local school custodian and a nighttime deliveryman, Jim works countless hours to provide the financial means necessary to support the cost of ten educations while serving as a paramount example of honorable work ethic for his children to emulate. Debra "holds down the fort" as she works her way through reams of financial aid paperwork and myriad school visits all the while fostering an infectious atmosphere for the love of learning inside their home. James and Debra's unwavering commitment to education has not only inspired their ten children to establish this foundation but also serves as a continual reminder of the challenges which parents willingly confront to provide their children with "the gift of education."

The Foundation's mission is to celebrate the spirit of Jim and Debra for the years to come and to offer funds to support students and their families striving to share in that lifelong "gift of education."

The James P. and Debra Fitzgerald Healy Foundation was established to support students of limited financial resources who possess unlimited potential. Through a series of fundraising events, we secure donations and award scholarship funds to lighten the financial burden for our scholars in the pursuit of their education. We partner and collaborate with reputable educational institutions to ensure our contributions are properly allocated to deserving students. The James P. and Debra Fitzgerald Healy Foundation was incorporated in December 2010 and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)3 organization.