News
Killarney-born New York travel agent passes away
There was an air of sadness as news filtered through Michael ‘Stephen' Healy passed away peacefully at his Pearl River home June 20.
The New York-based Killarney man was best known as a travel agent in New York that brought thousands of American visitors and returning emigrants to Killarney over the years.
Steve was born on January 12,1936 in Kilbrean and grew up with five siblings on a farm.
His father, Michael died when he was two, and his mother, Catherine, raised the family on her own.
He attended Tiernaboul National School and St. Brendan’s College and enjoyed rowing and playing Gaelic football for his local clubs.
Steve moved to London in 1954 where he worked in a tyre factory.
In 1956, he immigrated to Chicago, and served in the US Army, gaining US citizenship.
Steve later made his way to New York City in 1957 where he met his best friend, Connie O’Sullivan.
Connie introduced Steve to his wife Anne on a blind date - ironic because they both hailed from Killarney!
In June of 1966, Connie and Steve opened their first of several travel agencies.
After residing in the Bronx for a few years, like many immigrant stories preceding them, Steve and Anne moved to the suburb of Pearl River, in October of 1966, and raised four children together.
As time passed, Steve and Anne became active members of the Kerrymen’s Association, the Ancient Order of Hibernians , Rockland Gaelic Football Club, the Irish Travel Agents Association, and St. Margaret’s Church, among other groups.
Steve also loved returning home to his beloved Killarney to see his various Spillane and Healy relatives.
Steve is survived by his wife Anne (nee Carbery), children Sean, Liam, Tara and Colleen, siblings Mary Spillane and John Joe Healy and extended family.
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