Salem……

William J. Healey age 98, a lifelong resident of Salem, died at home peacefully on Tuesday afternoon.

He was born, raised and educated in Salem the son of the late John F. and Ellen E. (Dean) Healey. As a young boy, Mr. Healey experienced the Salem Fire and lived on Salem Common in a "Tent City" until the family could return to permanent housing. He was educated in Salem schools and graduated from Salem High School.

Mr. Healey then became employed at the Salem Post Office. During World War II he left his position at Salem Post Office and served in the United State Army at bases in England, Paris and New York. Following his discharge, he returned to the Salem Post Office where he was employed as a clerk until retiring in 1965.

He enjoyed sports and continued working part time at Coleman's Sporting Store in Danvers stringing tennis rackets and selling skis for several years. Mr. Healey enjoyed skiing and for several years made an annual trip to Tuckerman's Ravine at Mount Washington. In 1973 he traveled to the Italy and had skied the Italian Alps and following the Blizzard of 78 he was frequently seen cross country skiing the City of Salem until the roads became drivable.

As a young man, Mr. Healey enjoyed racing his Town Class Sailboat in the Marblehead Racing Association (M.R.A) events all summer long and had also sailed aboard a Yankee Clipper for several summers. An accomplished athlete, Mr. Healey enjoyed playing tennis weekly, for many years, on Bud Orne's tennis court.

He shared his loved of sports with the youth in the City of Salem; as a skater he co founded the Salem Youth Hockey League coaching the Pee Wee League and the Salem Baseball Recreation League coaching the Bobcats for several seasons.

Mr. Healey is survived by two children, Jane Luciano and her husband John and Larry Healey all of Salem; a brother, Thomas Healey of Beverly; a sister, Veronica Healey of Beverly; three grandchildren Mark DeMerchant, Sherry Desclos and her husband Michael, Tim DeMerchant and his wife Darcy; three great grandchildren Devon, and Ariana DeMerchant and Victoria Desclos and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held on Saturday June 28th at 10:00 A.M. in the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. (cor of North St) Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the American Red Cross, 85 Lowell St., Peabody, MA 01960. For online guest book or additional information please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978 744 0497.