Obituary of Stephen John Healey

Stephen J. Healey ROCHESTER: Stephen J. Healey passed away with his loving family, wife Barbara and son Stephen at his side, on November 11, 2017. Predeceased by his father, John H.; mother, Myrna MacPhail. He is survived by his sister Susan Healey and nephews Zach and Adam Zaleski. In 1955, Steve was born in East Greenbush, NY. He graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as a chemical engineer in 1979 and shortly thereafter was hired by the Eastman Kodak Company. Steve spent 11 years working at Kodak Park. His years there were filled with many recognized corporate accomplishments and more important to him; friendships that endured throughout his lifetime. He left Kodak in 1990 to join Genencor, working there until 2002. In 2004, Steve Healey the Renaissance Man emerged: re-energized to create his own destiny. He was expert in many fields: biofuels, biotechnology, bioremediation, chemical industries, product development and commercialization, business integration, plant management, and entrepreneurship. Steve applied his energies to combine and develop this knowledge in various enterprises: commercializing it to make it sustainable, viable and profitable in the real world. He put many of the lessons learned in his book MID-LIFE RE-CREATION. In the last few years Steve concentrated on Home Based Self-Reliance, Residential Renewables, Industrial Renewables, Sustainable Neighborhoods, and Net Zero Energy and Zero Waste Homes. His goal was a self-sustaining neighborhood that produces its own power and food. Steve dedicated his life to being a worthy father, husband, son, family member, and friend. The most dear, important, valued thing in his life was "his little family": the three of them. He would be, in his words, Stephen's "savage protector, teacher, and role model". He and Barb showed Stephen how to create his own destiny by walking the path themselves; again in his words 'the greatest challenge I ever faced and the most worthwhile". Steve was a true and fast friend; always ready to offer a hand or share his knowledge and advice. He helped rebuild a Harley engine in a kitchen; drop a tree for a friend; move a household time after time; pick-up a broken-down bike; cheer on a team or athlete. He entered a room a humble man but physically he filled it. It was like everyone sensed "Steve is here". You were the most important person around when he engaged you. His sparkling blue eyes conveyed love or happiness or mischief or concern or sorrow and his smile was brilliant. There could also be times when his eyes conveyed anger or jeopardy; his lips in a hard line or frown. This look could not be missed and a wise person would look away and depart. Steve was not a man to be trifled with. Steve spent time helping people find their "right livelihood". He enjoyed watching Stephen and friends play on the grounds of their home and later Stephen play on sports teams. He liked kayaking, riding his bike (Harley Davidson), cycling (bicycle), hiking, poolside fun, gardening flowers and foods, poetry, writing, reading, making wind chimes, and having a good meal. He supported personal liberty. A private funeral was held in Geneva, NY on November 18. Burial was in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterloo, NY. Donations in Steve's name can be made to the National Rifle Association at https://www.nraringoffreedom.com/donate/ .