Father Cornelius “Neil” Healy, a dedicated servant of God, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 83 in San Mateo, California.
Father Healy’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his faith and the communities where he served. He was deeply loved for his thoughtful homilies, his gentle counsel to those in need, and his passion for card games and collecting jewelry. His life was a testament to his faith, serving as a pillar of strength for the faithful.
Father Healy was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Waterford, Ireland 59 years ago on June 12, 1966. He was incardinated in the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1987. Father Healy served in the Archdiocese from 1979 until his retirement in 2015. He served in the following parishes: Saint Veronica Parish in South San Francisco, Saint Augustine Parish in South San Francisco, Saint Cecilia Parish in San Francisco, Our Lady of Loretto Parish in Novato, Saint Gregory Parish in San Mateo, Saint Rita Parish in Fairfax, and Saint Anselm Parish in Ross.
He is survived by his brothers, Sean (Kathleen), Donal and his sister Maura (Malcolm), several nieces and nephews along with his brothers in Christ.
Far from his Irish home, he found belonging in the families he lovingly adopted as his own. Through steady presence, shared meals, sharp wit, and his unmistakably crass sense of humor, he brought laughter into everyday moments and light into difficult ones. He walked beside them in joy and sorrow alike, becoming part of the fabric of their lives. He will be deeply missed.
The rosary will be on Sunday, December 28, at 6:30pm at St. Anselm’s Church with a visitation following immediately after. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Tom Daly on Monday, December 29,at 11:00am at St. Anselm’s Church. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, CA.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the Faithful Departed thru the Mercy of God rest in peace.
