04/27/2026
John Healey, 73, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026.
John was born in Perth, New York, to Gervace and Jeanne Healey. He graduated from Perth Central School and went on to live a life defined by hard work, skill, and quiet brilliance. A gifted machinist, John had an extraordinary ability to build, fix, or create just about anything. Many affectionately called him “MacGyver,” a nickname he earned countless times over. He was a car NUT - fun fact- he could identify the make and model of nearly any vehicle just by its taillights—a small example of his remarkable mind. John was truly one of a kind, and the world was better with him in it. On November 9, 1974, John married the love of his life, Tina Frederick—the girl next door in the most literal sense. Together, they built a life centered on family and love. John was a devoted husband, father, and the proudest “Poppy” anyone could ever know.
He is survived by:
Beloved wife, Tina Healey
Children:
Michael Healey and wife Bronwyn of Ballston Spa, New York
Lindsay Montario and husband Mike of Nacogdoches
Katie Fritz and husband Joe of Amsterdam, New York
He was the most amazing Poppy to his six grandchildren:
Harriet Healey
Johnny Montario
Madeline Montario
Mack Montario
Jack Fritz
Julia Fritz.
John is also survived by his brother, Rene Healey
Sister, Veronica Littero
Many nieces and nephews.
Among them, Debbie Sweeney and James Healey held a particularly special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Beatrice Frederick; his father-in-law, Richard Frederick; and his brothers, Michael, Greg, and Tim.
John’s unwavering faith in the Lord was a cornerstone of his life. If he could share one final message, it would be the good news he held so dearly: Jesus is Lord. As written in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He would encourage everyone not to wait—to accept God’s gift of salvation today.
In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be no formal services. His ashes will be scattered in his “happy place,” along the Jessup River in the Adirondack Mountains. Because of his faith, and theirs, his family finds peace in knowing this is not goodbye, but simply “see you later"
