Dennis passed yesterday after a four year Battle Royal with a very rare skin cancer. Cancer he got just as he was on the verge of retirement and enjoying himself. He fought it hard and did everything he could to recover, but could never make a dent in it. The cancer slowly devoured him. He had been in terrible pain for months, gained a lot of weight and with sores almost everywhere on his body he was mostly hurting all the time. He could not sleep or have any pain free time.
At the time of his passing, his brother Jim (who is a miniature Dennis) was with him along with his significant other Cheryl and his long time friend Khalsa. He died peacefully in his sleep. I think he was ready and he told me that last Friday when I visited him. He did not want a formal memorial. We can’t let his passing go unnoticed by the handball community that he loved and that knew and loved him back. Surely goodness and mercy will follow him the rest of the days and he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. by Doug Clark
Obituary for Mr. Dennis P. Healy
Dennis P. Healy has been called home after a courageous battle. Loving father to his two daughters, Laura and Faye. He is survived by his mother Madeline Healy, five siblings, numerous nieces/nephews, and his loving friend Cheryl.
This Brooklyn-born New Yorker lived in California and Hawaii, but made Tucson his home for over 30 years. Dennis had many interests and was passionate about work and play. He was an accomplished handball player and treasured the camaraderie of his fellow players. He was also an avid skier and hiker who enjoyed the wilderness of Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Best described, his tastes were eclectic; whether collecting boots, bolo ties, artwork, or NY Yankee ball caps.
Dennis worked for the Veterans Administration as a certified nurse anesthetist. Although he never served in the military, he respected and honored these veterans for their service to this country.
As a son, brother, father, uncle, and dear friend; Dennis will be missed. We grant that God be by his side as he begins another adventure.
The Tucson Memorial Handball Open was designed to honor and celebrate friends and family of the sport, that have passed, with hopes of highlighting their life achievements, archiving their legacies, and sharing their stories. If you have stories or commentary about Dennis Healy, or others close to you, please contact us and we will post.
Please visit R2sports.com for the online entry application, search for the November WPH Tucson Memorial and help us share the amazing stories from your fallen handball community members.
Send your personalized memorial, to be published on this page to: Info@wphlive.tv