Born October 26, 1954 in White Plains, New York
Departed January 4, 2024 in Rockledge, Florida
Donald John Healy lived a full life. He considered himself a native Floridian by way of White Plains, New York and Danbury, Connecticut. Some knew him as Don, others as Donnie, DJ, Oscar, or UD (Uncle Don). He was a man of conviction with a sharp sense of humor. He was kind and exasperating by turn. Once you met him, you wouldn’t forget him. His big heart accommodated his many loves – his family (including his cats), his Air Force family, his hockey family, and the Danbury crew.
Don’s service to his country while serving in the United States Air Force defined him. Before retiring as a staff sergeant, he had served our country both stateside and overseas in Okinawa, Korea, and Iceland. While serving, he was the happiest when he worked on his beloved Phantom II aircraft.
In his 50’s, he decided to go back to college where he ended up meeting his adored wife, Karyn. He completed his A.A. in 2010.
Thanks to social media, Don reconnected with many of his middle and high school friends. He was too ill to attend his 50th high school reunion. However, his 40th was one of the happiest times of his life, being back in Danbury with his friends.
Don was a rabid Tampa Bay Lightning fanatic. He had been a fan of the “boys in blue” since they played at the Expo Center. Around 2008, he joined a group of hockey bloggers known as the Wallbangers, developing some dear friends in the process. His nome de plume was “Oscar,” later “Phantom.”
Don was a fortunate man. When asked how he was doing, his stock reply was, “Better than I deserve.” But he did deserve it. He was loved by so many people. He will be missed.
Please consider a donation in his memory to VITAS Hospice or HALO:
Don and I served together at MacDill AFB in Tampa. I wish I could have reconnected with him before he passed. He was a wonderful mentor (crew chief) while working on the F16. Miss you buddy !
Hope Ascher
from
Indian Harbour Beach January 25, 2024
What a wonderful man! I'm so glad your journeys crossed, Karyn, and that you had some time together. You are in our prayers---and will be for some time.
Hope and Jennie
Don was a good friend from High School. We shared many laughs and good times together and I have a picture of us together at our 40th reunion. He will be missed.
Bill and Linda Sherrill
from
Leland January 17, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Karyn and Richard including Don's dear mother ..We had the pleasure of being part of Don's (military) family and blessed to say he was like a brother to us both..Don was a man of conviction from the moment we met him. He loved with his whole heart . He was a kind , loving, giving, Wonderful person who would do anything for those who loved him. He was a sweet gentle soul..Willing to do all he could any time he could .He was a tough man and just as sweet...Our hearts are broken he is gone ..We want you to know he will be missed beyond measure and loved just as much....We love you!! Bill and Linda
Don was a sweet and gentle soul to anyone that had the pleasure to be around him. Karyn, I am sending my sincere condolences to you and your family. Take comfort in the wonderful times that you both had together. I will keep you in my prayers as always
Patti (Weber) Maia
from
Danville Ca January 13, 2024
Our condolences from the Weber family (Danbury, Benson Dr) to the Healy family. Don always made nice comments on my FB page about my parents. My dad especially for playing catch w him and the neighbor kids. Rest in Peace Neighbor Don! Patti Maia
Karl (Karma) Schmitz
from
Safety Harbor January 12, 2024
Don was always such a gentleman. The ultimate scribe. Like Hemingway, I could read his prose for hours. Malanda and I share our condolences to Karyn and all of those whose life Don touched.
Don's one of the "hockey gods" now.
Don was my boss back in 92 and we became fast friends. We went to the lightning hockey games. My wife and daughter loved him so much. My daughter calls him Uncle Don. He was such a great guy who if you ever needed anything you could depend on him. He will be truly missed by all.
Don was one of the sweetest men I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I always looked forward to seeing him every week. He always had an smile and never complained. He was tough, but his heart was big! He will be missed by every home health staff that came through his door. May he rest in piece.
Karyn, I’m so sorry for your loss. Rest assured that he will be waiting for you.
Don was a ray of sunshine and had a heart bigger than himself. Always a smile even in the most trying of times. My sympathy and prayers are with you all
Karyn, Ann and I send our deepest condolences to you. May you find comfort in the memories of your shared life with Don. He was a good husband to you and a good man that I felt privileged to know. Rest well, Don.
Diane kramper aka hockey chic
from
Lakeland January 11, 2024
Don my friend you will be missed. We always had such a good time on the Wallbanger site after each game. Don aka Casper was the 1st to say Chic are you breaking out the Rosie's.
As many times as our wonderful Bolts weren't playing up to snuff, Don would be the 1st to ask me to bring them out.
I loved his hugs. I loved Karyn and she put up with our hockey get together & was always there for him. We will miss him Karyn.
Go Bolts! Root for our boys from Heaven. Casper we sure loved him.
Rich "Boltfantrappedinsofla" Pick
from
Boynton Beach, FL January 11, 2024
Don't even know where to start, but his departure is a loss for all of us he left behind. If you were a friend, little he wouldn't do for you. Always a laugh, a joke, a story to share. The story could be from being a kid, his Tampa days, the Air Force, life post Air Force, the Bolts, or anything else that his life had him pass thru. He was always crafty with his words, written or spoken. He will certainly be missed. Deepest sympathy to all the family, both immediate and his extended family of friends he has left behind. Thunder on my friend.
Born October 26, 1954 in White Plains, New York