THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 Page 9 Soldiers’ Home Fr. Healy celebrates 100th birthday By Tara Vocino A standing room only crowd surprised Father Patrick Healy on his 100th birthday at St. Michael’s Chapel at the Chelsea Soldiers Home on Sunday. “It took me 100 years to get here,” the priest of 74 years, Father Patrick Healy, said at the altar. “It’s spiritual to have a crowd here.” Healy attributes his longevity to following the will of God, eating healthily and exercising. The chaplain officiates Mass daily at the Soldiers Home where he lives with 500 other veterans. “The Lord willed it,” the retired Army Chaplain said. “I never anticipated making it to 100.” Celebrating Memorial Day on Monday with his fellow veterans, family members and friends, Healy served in the US Army for 23 years in the ’70s, serving in Vietnam, Korea, Germany and New Jersey. He turned 100 on Tuesday. Shown from left to right: Frank Kowalski, MA Veterans Services Secretary Cheryl Poppe, Fr. Patrick Healy OMI, State Rep. Daniel Ryan, Councillor Leo Robinson, Chelsea Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Eric Johnson, and St. Michael’s Eucharistic Minister Chris Barry. Christopher Barry wished Father Patrick Healy a happy 100th birthday at St. Michael’s Chapel on Sunday morning. Father Patrick Healy, a US Army veteran, offers Mass at St. Michael’s Chapel on Sunday morning. Shown from left to right, are; Chelsea Soldiers’ Home veteran Philip Tammaro, Father Patrick Healy and Christopher Barry. Eight-year parishioners Maryann and Mary Casoli wished Fr. Healy a happy birthday. Holding a photo of himself serving in the US Army in the 1970s is Fr. Patrick Healy. Malden resident Anthony MaFalle with Father Patrick Healy Nine-year parishioner Julie Flaherty, standing under “100” balloons, said the priest is “the most wonderful person that she ever met.” FAMILY REUNION: From left to right are niece Christine Ryan, great-nieces Hannah Bauman and Shannon Ryan, in-law William Ryan, great-niece Brenda McLaughlin, nephew Robert McLaughlin, Father Patrick Healy, nephew James McLaughlin, in-law Mary McLaughlin, boyfriend Jesse Cotty, great-niece Emily McLaughlin, in-law Chris McLaughlin, in-law Kathy Brennan and nephew Patrick Healy on the altar. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino)
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