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Hundreds gathered this past week to honor William “Bill” J. Healey, Viking’s co-founder, former president and patriarch. Services were held at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Little Egg Harbor Township and Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church in Cape May. Family, friends, industry colleagues, retirees and boatbuilders past and present came together in shared remembrance. They traveled from across the country and around the world, a testament to the reach of his life and legacy. He was described as a man amongst men, an industry giant, one of a kind who broke the mold, a genuine human being – and so much more by those who knew him.
He was celebrated as the leader who built Viking from the ground up – transforming it into the world’s largest builder of luxury fiberglass sportfishing and cruising yachts through hard work, determination and by inspiring the Viking family to follow his mantra of building a better boat every day. His connection with our boatbuilders was legendary – he valued them as family and showed his humanity every day. He was also remembered for his love of life – skiing, playing skee-ball with his grandchildren on Cape May’s promenade and body surfing in the ocean. The services also paid tribute to his military service as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II, honoring him with full military recognition.
Bill was “the builder” – always expanding, acquiring new equipment and machinery, pushing Viking forward. That relentless drive helped shape the company into what it is today. After the Mass, family and friends gathered at Cape May’s Corinthian Yacht Club to share food, raise a glass and tell stories – celebrating his life and the impact he had on so many. The winter 2026 issue of Valhalla magazine will be dedicated to honoring his life and legacy.
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