John Robert Healey

John Robert Healey, age 54, passed away on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is survived by his beloved son, Michael Brian Healey, and Michael’s mother, Nancy Spodick Healey. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon and her children, his cousin Bob Healey, with whom he built a special kinship, and many other wonderful Healey and Spodick relatives. John is predeceased by his loving parents, John Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Healey, his favorite uncle and aunt, Paul and Mickie Grisso, and other Healey and Schilling relatives.

John was born on April 2, 1964, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and graduated from Warren Central High School and Indiana Central University, where he majored in business administration and minored in Spanish. John later earned his master’s degree in sports management from the University of Richmond, fell in love with Virginia and made it his home. John’s early passion was baseball. He was recruited by the St. Louis Cardinals when he was graduating high school but chose to go to college instead. John coached baseball while attending UR.

John pursued a career in law enforcement, serving with great distinction and honor as a senior special agent for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from 1989 to 2016. He was a valued member of the National Response Team and Special Response Team, and later developed a specialty in investigating arsons and crimes involving explosives. John responded to assist with the 9-11 investigation at the Pentagon. John’s passion for his career earned him great respect and admiration and he was proud to develop lifelong friendships with numerous ATF agents as well as law enforcement officers from many other federal, state, and local agencies. John was active with the Fraternal Order of Police, most recently serving as treasurer. He was also a lifelong member of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. John was also a Freemason for many years.

When John retired from ATF in 2016, he enjoyed improving his golf game. John also had a passion for music and played a mean guitar. John was well known for his big heart and he was called a “best friend” by many all over the country. John never met a stranger. He had a smile for everyone, a great sense of humor, and he was always ready to help a friend. John’s greatest passion was his dear son, Michael. John will be tremendously missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, December 20, 2018, at the University of Virginia, Darden School of Business, 100 Darden Boulevard, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (or similar organization), or to the Fraternal Order of Police, Thompson-Hall, Lodge No. 5, Charlottesville, Virginia, www.charlottesvillefop5.com.