Jay Austin Healy

Beloved husband, father, Pa Pa, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend

Jay Austin Healy, age 52, of Cincinnati, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, April 12, 2025. His sudden loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jay was born and raised in Cincinnati, growing up in Pleasant Ridge and attending Nativity School. He spent his teenage years in Madisonville and graduated from Purcell Marian High School. He later attended The Ohio State University, where he majored in Social Work-an early reflection of his deep compassion and dedication to helping others.

After college, Jay returned to Cincinnati and began his career as a preschool teacher at Youthland Academy in Milford. It was there that he met the love of his life, Diane (née Robison). Together, they built a life full of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion to their family.

Jay spent 25 years at Youthland, shaping young lives with patience, heart, and humor. Later, he embarked on a new chapter with the United States Postal Service, delivering mail from Murray Station through the neighborhoods of Madisonville and Madeira. He loved his routes and the people along them, always taking time during his breaks to chat with neighbors, check in on someone who needed a kind word, or simply brighten someone's day. Jay had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and loved.

He was a devoted husband to Diane and a proud, loving father to Andrew (Amanda) Bayerl, Nicholas Bayerl, and Madison Healy (Blake Steward). He was affectionately known as "Pa Pa Jay" to his granddaughters, Addison and Averi. He lit up whenever he spoke about his family and treasured every moment spent with them.

Jay was the beloved son of the late Micky Healy (née Fulmer), who raised him with unwavering love and strength. We take comfort in knowing they are reunited. He is also survived by his father, Lawrence Jay Healy; his sister, Johanna Froelicher (Todd Schwertman); and his nephews, Micky and Jude, who brought him so much joy. Though his time as their uncle was far too short, his love for them was deep and enduring.

Jay also deeply loved Diane's family, including her brother Chris Robison (Erika) and his nephews and nieces-Colin, Ian, Lillian, and Reagan-who brought him pride and joy as their Uncle Jay.

He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless dear friends who felt more like family. His presence brought people together, and his warmth, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed.

Jay brought joy wherever he went. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and believed in offering kindness-even when it wasn't earned. He was funny, loyal, and endlessly empathetic. He never ended a conversation without saying, "I love you." His heart was huge, and his laugh even bigger. He was everyone's biggest cheerleader, and his absence leaves a profound ache in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A lover of life and the life of every party, Jay could always be found on the dance floor. He was passionate about sports-especially basketball, football, and golf-and loved being outdoors, going on walks, chatting with neighbors, and spending time with his beloved dog, Sloan.

We will gather to celebrate Jay's remarkable life on Monday, April 21st at East Side Crossroads Church. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by a service at noon. Afterwards, all are welcome to continue sharing memories and celebrating his legacy at MadTree Brewing in Oakley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 1N5, an organization promoting mental health awareness, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.