Timothy O. Fanning Jr.

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Timothy O’Neil Fanning, a decorated Navy officer, successful businessman, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 20th, 2025 in Boca Raton, Florida, after a long and courageous journey with dementia. He was 80 years old.

Born November 29, 1943, in Hartford, Connecticut, to Timothy O’Neil Fanning Sr. and Marion Thomas Fanning, Tim lived a life distinguished by achievement, service, and love. He graduated from Hamilton College in 1965 with a degree in Philosophy before joining the United States Navy as a Hard Hat Diver. He served two tours in Vietnam aboard salvage ships, experiences that shaped his lifelong commitment to duty and leadership. After completing his active duty, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tim’s military career spanned more than three decades, including 27 years in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Rising to the rank of Rear Admiral, he culminated his service as Chief of Staff of the United States Atlantic Command, where he oversaw major military operations. He was the first Naval Reserve officer ever awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the nation’s highest non-combat defense honor. His decorations also included two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and others that reflected his valor and dedication.

In parallel with his military service, Tim co-founded and operated a successful construction company in West Chester, Pennsylvania, from 1972 to 2017. He was also a licensed Realtor, achieving the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Membership (CCIM) designation. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tim dedicated himself to service in the broader military community, including leadership roles as President of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets and as National President of the Navy League of the United States. A passionate advocate for veterans’ health, he championed innovative therapies for those suffering from PTSD, particularly the use of hyperbaric chambers.

Tim’s personal life was equally rich and full. He first married Muffet, with whom he raised four children in West Chester. Later, while pursuing advanced studies at Capital University’s integrative medicine program, he met Michelle Dyment (née Martin). They married in 2004, blending their families into a joyful union of eight children and eight grandchildren. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and adventure—living in McLean, Virginia, and Marathon, Florida, before eventually settling in Boca Raton in 2024.

Tim is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle, and their combined children, Heather Fanning and her husband Dr. Charles P. Nolte, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and their children, CJ, Victoria, and Brady; Thomas Fanning and his partner, Andreea, of Los Angeles, California, and his children, Luca and Sky; Brock Fanning and his wife, Katie, of Orlando, Florida, and their children, Sydney and Brody; David Fanning of San Francisco, California; Arielle Dyment of Delray Beach, Florida; Samuel Dyment and his wife, Crisy, of Denmark, and their son, Max; Phillip Dyment and his wife, Marissa, of McLean, Virginia; Rachel Dyment and her partner, Isaac, of Reston, Virginia.

He is also survived by his brother, Craig H. Fanning, and his wife, Stephanie, of Los Angeles, California. He was predeceased by his brother, Jeffrey T. Fanning, whose wife, Meliha Kozaric Fanning, resides in Bosnia.

A man of many passions, Tim cherished the ocean and spent over 30 years in the Florida Keys fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and even treasure hunting. He was an avid traveler, especially drawn to Ireland, where he immersed himself in his ancestral roots. He found joy in reading, art and music, —particularly jazz, soul, and soft rock. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, an avid fan of the Eagles, Commanders, Capitals, and Nationals, and a loyal supporter of his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic and academic pursuits.

Tim will be remembered not only for his extraordinary accomplishments but also for his generosity, mentorship, and devotion to family. His life was defined by service, love, and inspiration—a legacy that will live on through the countless lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor Tim’s memory with a gift to TreatNow.org, an organization close to his heart that heals brains, stop suicides and restores lives of America’s wounded veterans; or to the charity of one’s choice.

Rear Admiral Fanning will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.