Obituary of Jerome H Healey

A loving son, husband, father, “gramps”, brother, uncle and friend to many.  Jerome H (Jerry) Healey Jr., 76, passed away peacefully at home on August 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born in Jersey City and was the devoted son of Mary (Sullivan) and Jerome (Jerry) Healey Sr.  He was raised alongside his three younger brothers in Wood-Ridge, NJ where he attended Assumption School and later Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington.

He continued his education at Brookdale Community College before proudly serving in the US Army as Military Police, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.  After returning home, Jerry earned his Bachelor’s Degree at Seton Hall University and later attended Rutgers School of Business in Newark for graduate studies.

His entrepreneurial spirit led him into opening several successful businesses throughout his lifetime. He began his career by opening PJ’s Deli and Restaurant on Rt 53 in Morris Plains alongside friend and classmate Paul.  After many years of operating what became a local favorite, Jerry then opened and operated the Rockaway Deli Depot.  When Jerry wanted out of the food business; he turned a long-time hobby of home renovation into Jerry’s Handyman Service.  This later grew into full home renovations and several house flipping adventures, mostly in his local neighborhood with family by his side. He was always looking for a project and helping friends and family with theirs.

Married for 42 years to Peggy (Emmanuelle), they lived in Mt Tabor for 5 years before moving to Mine Hill in 1985 and starting their family.  Together they raised two daughters and enjoyed decades of memories and laughter in the same Mine Hill house they reside in today.

Jerry was eternally curious and turned his curiosities into knowledge as an avid reader.  He was knowledgeable and well-versed on just about any subject from history to finance to current global events.  He enjoyed basketball all his life; playing as a child and adult and later volunteering as coach for his daughters’ teams. Jerry’s early hobbies included scuba diving, skiing and tennis.  Later in life, a breezy day out on his sailboat became a favorite pastime.

Predeceased by his parents, Mary and Jerry, he is survived by his wife of 42 years Peggy (Emmanuelle) and his daughters, MaryAnne (Lee), Megan and cherished granddaughter Everly Mae.  Also surviving are his three brothers, Dennis (Rita), Richard (Nora) and David (Jackie) and his in-laws Joey (Donna), Tom, John, Mark, Brian (Suzy), Posey (Mark).  Jerry also leaves behind 22 loving nieces and nephews and 12 great-nieces and nephews.

Please join the family for visitation at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ 07869) on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Aloysius R.C. Church, 219 Bloomfield Ave., Caldwell, N.J., on Friday, September1, 2023, at 10:30 am.  The interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell.  Arrangements in care of Garrett Jones.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the family, friends, neighbors, and healthcare professionals who championed Jerry during an inspiring battle with pancreatic cancer.  Upon his diagnosis, Jerry’s first words were “Well, at least I’m 71.  Can you imagine all the little kids that hear that word when they are 5 or 6 years old?”.  If so inclined, donations in Jerry’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).

Please visit www.garrettjonesmemorialhomes.com to share a condolence or memory with the family.