John Edward Healy III (Jack)— lifelong builder, devoted family man, proud public servant, and friend to all—passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born in 1947, Jack was the 2nd of 7 children born to John and Margaret Healy and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He grew up in the family home on Nenagh Drive—affectionately known as “Healyville”—a lively, loud, love-filled house overflowing with siblings, cousins, and neighborhood friends. The street itself was named in honor of the Healys’ roots in Nenagh, Ireland, a heritage Jack carried with pride throughout his life.
A proud “Bulldog,” Jack attended St. Mary Magdalen School and graduated from Brandywine High School in 1965. As a teenager and young adult, he also served his community as a Talleyville firefighter—an early sign of his lifelong commitment to service. Shortly thereafter, Jack was drafted into the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War era, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart and forever soulmate, Karen. Shortly after, the couple welcomed their first child, beginning the family that would become Jack’s greatest joy.
In 1978, Jack co-founded Healy, Long & Jevin with his longtime friend Bobby Long, carrying forward the legacy of his family’s construction business, John E. Healy & Sons, founded in 1891. Under Jack’s leadership, HLJ became known for its excellence, integrity, and craftsmanship, contributing to numerous landmark projects including the Mellon Bank Building in Philadelphia and the Bell Atlantic Tower. Jack was deeply respected in his industry and served on the boards of the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), the Delaware Contractors Association (DCA), the St. Patrick’s Day Society, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, St. Francis Hospital, Archmere Academy, and the Concrete Contractors Association.
Jack’s happy place was Stone Harbor, NJ. He and Karen built their forever family vacation home on the bay. Fishing, dips in the bay, cocktails on the beach, sunset views, and dinners on the deck with family and friends were where he found his greatest peace and joy.
A man of deep faith, Jack attended daily Mass and lived his beliefs through kindness, quiet generosity, and humility. He was an unwavering father and grandfather—present, supportive, and endlessly proud. He lived by simple mottos, often reminding those around him: “Smile, and the world smiles with you. Frown, and you frown alone.” It perfectly captured his belief in optimism, resilience, and choosing joy and humor—even when life was hard.
In later years, Jack enjoyed traveling with their “Den 1” group, scuba diving, golfing with friends at Wilmington Country Club before eventually settling at Country House, where he formed new friendships and a fresh audience for his stories.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Karen Healy; his children, Lori Scarpaci (Shawn), Sean Healy (Shannon), Colleen Corrado (Joey), and Megan Corey (Jeff); and his fourteen cherished grandchildren: Ava, Jack, Sophia, Lydia, Scarlett, Jett, Sloane, Colt, Trey, Gavin, Teagan, Vivian, Emerson, and Holden. He is also survived by his siblings, TJ, Michael, Billy, Kevin, Nancy and his adored nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Peggy.
Jack’s life was built—quite literally—on a foundation of faith, family, service, love, and making people laugh. His legacy lives on in the structures he helped create, the family he adored, and the countless lives he touched.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE. 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 6, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
For online condolences please visit www.Chandlerfuneralhome.com.
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