Ted Healy, age 81, of Chicago, formerly Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo, passed away on Friday, September 6th, 2024.
Ted is preceded in death by his wife Breda Healy and long time companion Cathy Hoff, parents and siblings from Ireland.
He is survived by his daughter Laurie (Roman) Myszczak and his sisters in Ireland, Kathleen (late Paddy) Gormley and Elizabeth (Sean) Fox and his extended family.
Ted was a beloved member of the Irish community who was known throughout for his music. He was also known for his fun loving personality and his quick wit sense of humor. Ted loved to share stories of his childhood growing up in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. While working as a doorman on Park Avenue, in New York City, he met the president of Continental Airlines, who convinced him to come to Chicago to work for him in customer service. Before leaving New York, he met the beautiful Breda Cremins a native of Castleisland, Co. Kerry. They married in New York and he swept her away to Chicago, where they settled and had their daughter, Laurie. Ted loved the travel privileges he received most so he and his family can travel back and forth to Ireland. After the passing of Breda, he met Cathy Hoff native of Co. Mayo, who became his long time loving companion. They continued to travel to Ireland and around the United States with Hawaii being his favorite destination. Ted started off his singing career in Chicago with The Raindrops Showband. He continued to sing with various other bands, ending with the duo of himself and Johnny Gleeson. Throughout his singing career, Ted has played countless dances, weddings, anniversary parties and benefits. His voice is well known throughout the Irish community and his personality and jokes would have people entertained and laughing all night. When Cathy sadly passed a few years ago, Ted lost his love for entertainment; until he moved into his retirement home where he made a great deal of new friends. Soon thereafter, friends convinced Ted to put on several performances for the residents, which brought back his love for music and entertaining. He was proudly nominated Ascension Living Retirement Village prom king in 2022. Ted could be found sitting in the atrium in the afternoons surrounded by friends, singing, laughing, joking and of course, entertaining the crowd. He would also be found sitting in the hallway watching and whistling at the birds he loved so dear. Ted’s voice and laughter will continue to be missed throughout the halls of his retirement home.
Ted was a very proud, strong willed man that fought till the very end. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed by many.
Visitation Tuesday, September 17 from 10-12 PM with service at 12 PM at Gibbons Family Funeral Home 5917 W. Irving Park Rd (1/2 Block East of Austin). Interment All Saints Cemetery.
Ted and Breda was god parents to my daughter Christina u will be remembered for
Ever
Very sad to hear of the death of my dear brother in law. He is in my mind, heart and prayers now and always. Fondest memories of his time spent with myself and my dear husband Patrick, his brother, in London. I met him for the first time then which was very special. Also the lovely times I spent with himself and Kathy in Chicago. May his dear soul rest in peace, with love from his sister in law, Mary Healy.
So sorry to hear of Ted’s passing. Much love to all the family.
Mr. Healy was a kind and funny man. I’m so grateful we were able to reconnect with you before you passed. Rest in peace. Thank you for all the joyful and musical memories. You will be missed by so many.
The Casey, Curran and Slade Families
Rest in peace Ted . Remembering your visits to the Healy family in Tubbercurry
Rest in peace to Ted from his nephew Martin back in Ireland. And condolences to the rest of his family and loved ones
So sorry for your loss. I remember Ted fondly from the time I was married to Tom Egan. He played many times at our bar on Clark St. He arranged several trips for us as well. He always had a sparkle in his eye and the gift of gab.