Joseph L. Healey Sr.

Age 94, formerly of Scott Twp. and Crafton, passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Beloved husband of the late Betty (Sanctis) Healey. Loving father of Karen (Antonio) Bolea, Joseph (Jill) Healey Jr., Beth (John) Lira, Martin (Gene Welsh) Healey, Michael (Maria) Healey. Dear grandfather of Stephanie (Travis) Hawes, Christian (Erin) Bolea, Joseph Healey III, Jennifer (Danny) White, Joshua (April) Healey, Shannon (Greg) Smith, Megan (Tyler) Richmond and Rebecca Healey.

Beloved brother of Elaine (the late Lawrence) Manning, Michael (Mary) Healey, Jack (the late Feryal Gharahi) Healey and the late Olivia, Bud, Virginia, Naomi, Eugene, Carol and Agnes. Also survived by ten (10) Great grandchildren ( expecting the 11th soon) and many nieces and nephews. 

Joe is one of eleven (11) siblings and grew up in Crafton and Carnegie as an active athlete.  His childhood was significantly impacted by the death of his father at age 12 (1942). Together with his siblings and his mother (Olivia Gaughan Healey) leading the way, they raised each other as a hard working Irish Catholic family.  His athletic abilities in football, baseball and soccer carried him into his early adult years and spanned from the sandlot leagues of southwestern Pennsylvania (Oakwood Oakies) to the fields of central Europe playing for the US Armed Forces within the Council of International du Sport Militaire (CISM).  Joe married the love of his life (Betty Sanctis Healey) in 1952 and together raised five (5) children, working tirelessly every day and every weekend to make ends meet and to provide a better life for his children.  His family values, hard work, faith and partnership with Betty provided a work career that started in the steel plants and train yards of Carnegie and ended with a retirement from one of the worlds largest privately held companies (Koch Industries). While Joe worked with his hands early in life and career, he developed the ability to build relationships and mastered human connection. He transitioned these talents into sales in his late 40’s and quickly recognized that sales was his career calling.  In his adult years his love of sport evolved into a low handicap golfer with an exceptional short game. This combination of hard work and sport came together as he traveled the mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia selling magnetite to the coal mining industry.  Joe was respected and loved by his work associates as well as his customers.  When it came time to retire, his Koch Industries management team requested that he put retirement on hold and continue his “golfing career”.  He was deemed the only professional golfer in the company of 100,000 employees.  He finally retired in his mid-70’s to spend loving years with Betty, his children and grandchildren traveling between their Pittsburgh and Florida homes. After Betty’s passing in 2011 (59 years of marriage) Joe spent much of his time enjoying what mattered most to him.  In these years he embraced his patriarchal role by sharing his stories, laughter and hugs, touching the hearts and souls of his family and all who were fortunate to share a little whiskey and a moment.

Joe Healey, Sr. shared the value of hard work, Irish Catholic faith and love of family that we are confident will carry on with the 36 plus (and growing) direct descendants Joe and Betty worked so hard to provide a better life for.  A LIFE WELL LIVED AND WELL LOVED!

Family and Friends welcome Friday 2-4 & 6-8 pmand Saturday 11:00 am - 12 noon WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE (412-563-2800) 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. 15220. Funeral mass Saturday 1:00 pm in St Luke the Evangelist Parish, SS John and Paul Church, 2586 Wexford Bayne Rd., Sewickley, PA 15143. 

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