It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician and “Soundman to the Stars” Kevin Healy. Kevin passed away peacefully on the morning of November 14 in the arms of his family after a long battle with a rare cancer.
He leaves behind the love of his life, Arlene, and their children: Michael, his wife, Brianne, and their daughter Lydia, aka “Monkey”; and Kaitlin and her partner, Eric Weiss, aka “the Bear.” Kevin is also survived by his brother Michael and his wife, Bitte; his sister Patricia and her husband, John Lazarus; his sister Barbara Joan and her husband, Frank Okonski; and his brother Rob and his wife, Dayna; as well as many nieces and nephews. Kevin also leaves behind his extended Gratton family, all of whom looked forward to his baked beans at every family gathering, most especially his father-in-law Roland. Kevin was predeceased by his parents: Ralph Scott Healy, Nancy Riling and Raymond Riling; as well as his sister Kathleen.
Kevin turned an early passion for music into a successful sound-production company, becoming the go-to “soundman” for countless bands and events all over Vermont for nearly 40 years. In addition, many knew Kevin as a friendly face behind the counter at Advance Music. He loved introducing people to music and working with them to find the perfect instrument or piece of gear to bring home. He greeted his clients and customers with a trademark crooked smile and his wickedly dry sense of humor. He had a knack for getting people’s stories and remembering small details about others that helped him to build connections with hundreds of people in the music community and beyond.
Kevin was an accomplished musician himself. He was an avid guitarist and played in dozens of bands, contributing his passion and advocacy to the live music community in northern Vermont. He was the first person ever to receive a license to perform on Church Street many years ago, spearheading a movement of live music that continues to this day.
We would like to thank all of the medical teams who worked with Kevin over the past few years and with whom he developed close friendships: the many doctors and nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center, particularly Dr. Littenberg, Dr. Holmes and Kathleen McCarthy, RN; his transplant team at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, especially Dr. Romee; and the many doctors and nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
We hope that you will join us for a celebration of Kevin’s life on Friday, December 6, 11 a.m., at St. Mark’s Parish in Burlington. A gathering will follow at the BCA Center between 1 and 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf or the New North End Food Pantry, two organizations that Kevin was passionate about supporting. Please also consider donating blood or platelets if you are able to. During his treatment, Kevin told everyone, “The best way to help me is to help everyone: donate blood and platelets.”
Kevin truly was the Soundman to the Stars, and now he is among them. The world will not sound the same without him.
This article appears in The Winter Preview — 2019.
Great guy and a big loss to our community.
I used to rent recording gear from Kevin when I was in High School. Every time I went into Advance Music I would talk to him about gear and what I was looking to get next. He hung in there with my questions, as I always had a ton of them. The Burlington music scene has lost a legend.
I am so saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. He was our “sound guy” for the annual December Performance at JFK in Winooski. Kevin helped to turn the acoustically challenged gym into a concert space for hundreds of children and families for many years. He was fun to work with and I will certainly miss the friendship that we developed over the years. RIP Kevin
Sincerely,
Hilary Sales
Wow – what a shock. I had given my wife instructions that if something happened to me she should contact Kevin to deal with all my musical gear because he was so trustworthy. I always felt like he wanted me to enjoy and succeed with my music, and he was always a pleasure to connect with. He’s playing in the big band in the sky now with so many others.
Kevin was a kind, gentle and wicked funny man. Generous and fair, and absolutely a pro at live sound. I own several pieces of gear he sold me (at very fair prices) that all still work beautifully. I will think of him and smile as I hoist those big QSC speakers up onto their stands, and chuckle at the wisecracks still making me laugh after all these years. Miss you already, Brother Kevin. By the way, God wants more of himself in the Aux 1 mix.
Sorry to hear this. I haven’t seen him in years, the “sound man to the stars”. Great guy.
Absolutely crushed. Advance wont be the same. Loved every thing about him.
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. JFK Elementary has immense gratitude for all of his contributions to our December performances. He will be greatly missed for the wonderful person he was and for his love of sharing his passion: music.
Much Love,
Sara Poland
We are so sorry to hear of Kevin’s Passing. The deepest of sympathy to Arlene and the kids.Our Hearts and Love goes out to all of you. May you have some comfort in the wonderful memories that you all share of Kevin.
Love, Linda and Bob Goulette.
Your friends at Messier’s will miss you very much! Sending lots of hugs to the family!
I only knew Kevin at Advance Music but he WAS Advance Music, to me. Such a lovely presence.
Knew Kevin for many years, and he was the rare musician/sound guy who could make you feel totally at ease because you knew you were in good hands. And a super nice guy to boot. So sorry to hear of his passing.