Donald Eugene “Bull” Healy
August 3, 1944 – September 8, 2018
Don passed away peacefully in Middlebury, Conn.. September 8, 2018 at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis & Sue Healy, who provided loving care and support during the last stage of his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Don was born August 3rd, 1944 in Auburn, Calif., delivered by his Grandmother in the car on the way to the hospital. In the following years Don, his brothers Dan and Dennis, father Joe Healy, and mother Annabelle lived in Mayer, Arizona and Long Beach, California. Upon the death of his father in 1946, the family returned to Lincoln, Calif., where his mother eventually met and married his step-father, Lou Lohman in 1949. The new family relocated from Lincoln to several towns in California, as well as a short stop in New Albany, Indiana before finally settling in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. in 1957 with 2 new brothers, Craig and Gary Lohman.
In Berkeley Springs, Don quickly established himself as a high performing athlete participating in football, wrestling, track & field, and baseball. His tenacity earned him the nickname “Bull” as a running back for the Indians.
He excelled at all sports and physical challenges winning two state wrestling championships (1962 & 1963), which were the first State Championships ever won in any sports for Berkeley Springs. In 2014, Don and “Moose” Hodges (his beloved wrestling coach) were the first inductees to the Berkeley Springs Hall of Fame.
He graduated in 1963 and went on to wrestle and play football at Fairmont State College where he graduated in 1969. His love for physical challenge followed him thru-out his life. After graduating from college, Don taught and coached at North High in Hagerstown, Md. He was always an inspiration and mentor to young students.
It was during this time, his family grew with the births of his children Don, Eric, and Denise. He left the teaching profession several years later to pursue his interests in the oil industry and private business, traveling and living in Texas, South America, and Africa for approximately 10 years. Don returned to California in the late 1980’s to resume his teaching and coaching career in Long Beach. He taught and coached for 21 years before retiring in 2014.
In 2017, Don moved to Connecticut to be with his brother Dennis and continue his fight with the cancer that ended his life.
Pictures of Don reflect his love of life. This passion was apparent in his drive to travel, hike, and push the edge in any way possible. He was always happiest hiking areas like Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, or his favorite place Havasu Canyon.
He was preceded in death by his son Eric Healy and his brother Craig Lohman. He is survived by his son Don Healy (Sarah) and his daughter Denise Shifflet; grandchildren Ashton Kelly (Hayden), Conor Healy, and Logan Shifflet; brothers Dan Healy (Janet), Dennis Healy (Sue), Gary Lohman (Penny).
Donations can be made in Don’s name and memory to the charity of your choice.
paid obituary
