Obituary for Gene Michael Healy

Gene Michael Healy 91
 of Kenton 

Funeral services for Gene Michael Healy will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, November 12, 2021 at The Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kenton. Friends and family may visit 2 hours prior to services at the funeral home.

Gene passed away on Saturday evening, November 6, 2021 at Hardin Hills after a brief battle with cancer.

Gene was born in Galion, Ohio on July 18, 1930. He spent his childhood in Kenton raised by his parents, Joseph and Pauline Healy, graduating from Kenton High School in 1948. After graduation, at the age of 18, Gene enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Seaman Apprentice on the USS Cochino, the first experimental nuclear submarine developed after WW2. Unfortunately, in August 1949, during a secret training mission in the North Atlantic near the Arctic Circle, the Cochino experienced several explosions and the crew, including Gene, had to abandon ship. They were rescued by their sister sub, the USS Tusk.  Seven crew mates lost their lives during the mission. After leaving the Navy, Gene returned to Kenton where he married Mary Lou Breidenbach on July 18, 1953. She survives. 

Gene worked several years as a signalman for the Erie Railroad, traveling the line between Chicago, IL and New Jersey, maintaining signals. Once he and Mary Lou had a family, he was employed by Hooker-Occidental Chemical Company in Kenton aka  Durez. He retired from Durez in 1995 with 40 years of service.

Gene, along with Pat Mullady, Clayton Shope, and  Bob West, started  the Kenton Little League Football program for grade school students.

He was a member of Kenton VFW Post #333 for many years and assisted many Servicemen to receive the benefits due them, often driving them to their appointments at the VA Hospital in Dayton. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge #428 and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge #157.

Gene was a long time fan of Ohio State football, attending many home games throughout his life. He could often be found Friday evenings during football season on the sidelines cheering on the Kenton Wildcats.

In addition to his wife, Mary Lou, of 68 years, he is survived by children Mike Healy of Kenton, Kathy Healy of North Baltimore, and Shannon (Hal) Stutzman of Winesburg; grandchildren Kelli Jo (Jay) Bostelman, Tyler J. (Lisa) Stutzman and Tricia (Luke) Turley; great-grandchildren Brooke (Zak) Morris, Jayden and Brylee Bostelman, Thomas and Alister Turley; and great-great granddaughter Maui Kaye Morris; a brother Patrick (Joyce) Healy; and a sister Bridget Moore; a sister in law Lenore Homelle and a brother in law Gearold Peter (Joan) Breidenbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a beloved brother Thomas E. Healy, a niece Polly Ann DeWar and a nephew Tommy Moore.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Amvets Post 1994 or to Matt Manns in care of the Youth Football program. 

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.